South African Authorities Probe Coastal Chemical Spill in Durban

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - South African authorities in the port city of Durban said Saturday they were investigating a coastal chemical spill that may have been caused by a warehouse fire during unrest this week.

Other possible sources are also being investigated as the cause of the spill, which is affecting marine and bird life, the eThekwini municipality said late Friday, urging local residents not to use beaches in the area. "Extensive environmental impacts are being reported at uMhlanga and uMdhloti lagoons and beaches in the vicinity, that have killed numerous species of marine and bird life," the municipality said in a statement. "The pollution is considered serious and can affect one's health if species are collected and consumed. Lagoon and seawater contact must be avoided."