emergency crews were forced to put their skills into action in a real life situation.

They received reports of an oil spill off St. George's Harbour yesterday morning.

The spill, caused by a visiting 140-foot boat moored in the harbour, was discovered to be diesel which dissipates easily.

Authorities were alerted at 8.23 a.m. and the Marine Pollution Contingency Committee, headed by Tom Sleeter and Ron Ross, coordinated units from Marine Police and Harbour Radio.

A Marine and Ports boat and five men, Government's environmental officer and men and equipment from the Parks Division of Agriculture and Fisheries, all joined in the short containment effort.

Esso Oil's vessel Recovery with a crew of six and Mr. Ross' pilot boat St.

David also responded.

"Once we were out there we discovered that it was diesel which spreads rapidly,'' Dr. Sleeter said, "which in the calm conditions created a large sheen from Ferry Reach to St. George's Harbour.'' Dr. Sleeter added that the teams attempted to clean the oil but abandoned the effort and stood down by 10.30 a.m.

"Because of this exercise, we had an immediate and effective response from all agencies,'' he added.

Operation Weatherbird involved more than 100 people from Government and local private agencies and another 100 participants and observers from overseas.