The pipeline responsible for the oil spill in Poole Harbour has been successfully sealed, with cleaning operations ongoing, Bournemouth Daily Echo reported on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by the Poole Harbour Commissioners on April 2, the clean-up operation has been ongoing since the incident, with pipeline excavation work continuing over the weekend.

The commissioners confirmed that 30 birds had been observed with slight oiling, but there have been no serious bird casualties. The RSPCA and RSPB are leading the efforts to address the issue of wildlife casualties resulting from the spill.

So far, the clean-up operation has recovered around 140,000 liters of "oily/water mix" and over five tons of contaminated beach/soil material and contaminated materials. Containment measures, including 11 booms, have been successful, with a cofferdam constructed at the leakage site.

Flushing and skimming operations are ongoing in Ower Bay, with the main focus of clean-up operations at this location, and substantial clean-up is also taking place at the Goathorn and Arne peninsulas.

Poole Harbour Commissioners are working closely with the standing environment group (SEG), involving Environment Agency and Natural England. Meanwhile, there is no change in advice regarding the recreational use of Poole Harbour.

However, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restriction remains in place in Poole Harbour until April 9, and all other drones should avoid the area. Commercial drones are being used as part of the response and have a dispensation from the NOTAM.

On March 26, the pipeline operated by gas company Perenco, which owns the oil field at Wytch Farm, leaked about 200 barrels of reservoir fluid composed of 85 percent water and 15 percent oil into Owers Bay.