2500km of coastline contaminated with oil, Brazil accuses Greece

 

 Brazilian officials suspect that a tanker carrying the Greek flag was the source of a large oil spill that has contaminated about 2,500km (1,553 miles) of the Brazilian coastline.

Federal police in the city of Rio de Janeiro raided the offices of a Greek company linked to the ship.

Officials believe the tanker was transporting heavy crude oil from Venezuela to South Africa in July.

Marine life and some of Brazil's popular beaches have been affected by the oil spill. About 2,000 tons of thick sludge have been collected and a major cleanup effort is ongoing.

Concerns are growing that the oil spill could reach the Abrolhos Islands, an important maritime sanctuary in Brazil.