The Town of Cobourg would like to provide an update to the community on efforts to remediate a fuel spill in the harbour.
On the evening of Wednesday, August 6th, Waterfront Operations staff detected a fuel leak in the harbour. A vessel which had been towed into the marina earlier that day, experienced a mechanical failure causing fuel to spill out of the bilge. Staff responded immediately, setting up containment booms and securing the boat in place.
As the day progressed on Thursday, August 7, 2025, it became clear that the booms in place were not sufficient to contain the spill and Waterfront Operations staff, under the guidance of Public Works and Engineering called GFL Environmental for support. Both Waterfront Operations and GLF staff estimate that approximately 10 liters of diesel fuel entered the water.
As of Thursday afternoon, GLF had successfully contained the spill within the inner harbour.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, including the use of a vacuum truck to remove fuel from the water’s surface and the placement of absorbent pads. Residents and passersby will notice booms and absorbing pads in the harbour over the weekend. Booms will remain in place until the fuel is at a negligible level. Staff and GFL will reassess on Monday to determine if further work is required.
“I would like to thank our Waterfront Operations staff for their quick response to this situation,” says Mayor Lucas Cleveland. “As a recreational harbour, Cobourg is enjoyed by thousands each year and its protection is of the utmost importance. Thanks to their extensive knowledge and dedicated monitoring, our staff were able to control and mitigate this unfortunate situation.”
All costs for cleanup efforts are charged back to the boater. The Town of Cobourg would like to thank our boating community for their support and understanding during this time. “All those who visit the harbour, share a love of this natural asset and have been incredible as crews work to remediate this situation,” says Mayor Lucas Cleveland.
Video – Numerous Resources Respond to Fuel Spill in Cobourg Harbour
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
