Russia denies major Irish oil spill

MOSCOW, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The Russian navy says the scope of an oil spill involving two of its warships off the southeastern coast of Ireland has been exaggerated.

Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo says local media reports pegging the oil spill at between 12 and 400 tons are incorrect, RIA Novosti reported Tuesday.

"The nature and reasons for the possible pollution will be determined by experts only after a comprehensive probe," Dygalo said. "It is now absolutely clear that its scope does not correspond to media reports. It (the spill) is not catastrophic and poses no environmental threat to the shoreline."

Ireland's RTE Television reported Monday that two Russian warships had spilled 12 tons of oil into the sea while anchored 250 miles off the southeastern-most tip of Ireland, probably while refueling, while other media indicated as much as 400 tons could have been spilled.

The Irish coast guard has also dismissed reports that there had been a collision of two nuclear-powered ships, saying they are monitoring the situation, RIA Novosti reported.