By Tim Greenfield An oil spill that caused a two-mile slick could cost the culprit tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

The East End leak prompted a full-scale Oil Pollution Response as its size became evident at first light yesterday.

And a cargo vessel, the Pascale Delmas , has been forbidden from leaving the Island as the probe into the leak continues.

The mess, which stretched from St. Catherine's Point to Ferry Reach, was an unidentified oil which immediately began to disperse -- and appears not to have caused any environmental damage.

Some oil did come ashore at Grotto Bay and booms were placed there, and at other locations to prevent the oil coming into Castle Harbour and St.

George's.

The clean-up costs alone are likely to be in the region of $25,000. Fines, if there is a prosecution for the pollution, can run up to $100,000 in Magistrates' Court and could be unlimited if the case proceeds to the Supreme Court.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson toured the emergency scene and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown also visited the operation headquarters at Harbour Radio.

Dr. Brown vowed the culprits would be brought to justice.

"We are going to vigorously explore the liability question and make sure that the Government is adequately compensated.

"It is a relief that this hasn't caused damage.'' He commended the relief team for their efforts in ensuring the oil didn't cause any pollution.

The Pascale Delmas has been ordered to remain at Murray's Anchorage for the immediate future.

The drama started at 7.30 a.m., when a Government vessel, the Dragon , reported patches of oil close to the East End. Shortly after the huge slick was spotted.

As the emergency response swung into action, vessels were launched to drop booms and absorbent pads to deal with the oil.

On Saturday, a detention order -- imposed because of safety precautions -- on the Pascale Delmas was lifted. The vessel was leaving the Island early yesterday when it was ordered back to anchor by Marine and Ports.

It is believed the ship's captain did not report any spillage to Bermuda authorities. He was later interviewed by Marine Police in connection with the incident.

Staff from the Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Police, Environment department, Bermuda Regiment, and Marine and Ports were involved in the operation to contain the spill.

Marine and Ports director Ron Ross said, although booms were deployed, the oil began to disperse naturally and by yesterday afternoon, only patches could be seen on the top of the water. But a boom was being left at Grotto Bay as a precaution, he said.

Tom Sleeter, of the Environment Ministry, said he didn't expect marine life to be affected by the oil. The next few days would be critical to determine whether or not there will be any harm on organisms.

Mr. Hodgson said they would ensure reparation is made for the spill.

The Pascale Delmas was detained in Bermuda after safety inspections, following complaints by its Polish crew. Holes were discovered in its hull and emergency repairs were ordered before it was allowed to leave.

Initially it was thought the cargo vessel would have to be unloaded in Hamilton before it could be fixed. But it was decided to attend to it while anchored off St. George's.

A file on the spillage is being prepared and will be passed to the Attorney General, to decide what, if any charges will be laid.

Captain John Moore, of agents Meyer, said last night they were waiting for a faxed guarantee from the Protection and Indemnity Club, that they would pay for the clean-up.