The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has ordered the immediate closure of a section of Antigua’s western coastline amid concerns about possible contamination from the nearby Cooks Landfill.

The restricted area spans the cove between Seaforth Beach and Pinching Bay. Authorities have prohibited all fishing, sea bathing, recreational, and commercial activities within the zone until further notice.

NODS Deputy Director Craig Cole said the decision was taken on the advice of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, a member of the Emergency Management Committee, as investigations into the source and extent of contamination continue.

The issue came to light on Thursday after a report was made to the West Indies Oil Company indicating that an oily substance was visible on the surface of the water at Hanson’s Bay. In response, the country’s Marine Pollution Committee was activated and quickly implemented mitigation measures.

On the marine side, containment buoys were deployed to limit the spread of the oily film, and water samples were collected from multiple locations for laboratory analysis at the Government laboratory.

Preliminary findings suggest that leakage from the Cooks Landfill may have contributed to the contamination. Authorities have since taken steps to divert water flow from the landfill away from the affected cove.

However, Cole revealed that another potential source of pollution is the illegal dumping of raw sewage and other waste directly into the cove — an issue he said has been occurring for some time.

Reports from the Solid Waste Management Authority indicate that some operators have engaged in unlawful dumping after being denied entry to properly dispose of waste at the landfill facility. These allegations are now under police investigation.

Members of the Marine Pollution Committee continued their investigations throughout the weekend and are expected to meet again on Friday. Officials hope to receive the laboratory report at that time to determine the full extent of contamination and outline next steps.

Authorities are urging the public to adhere strictly to the closure order as efforts continue to safeguard public health and the marine environment.