A survey of the seabed off the coast of the Karpaz peninsula revealed no pollution from the massive oil slick drifting in the area, experts monitoring the situation said on Thursday.

The Minister of Public Works and Communications Resmiye Canaltay was in the area to inspect the preventative measures in place.

There, Canaltay was briefed by an official from Turkey’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Mustafa Çankaya.

The seabed in the area was surveyed via underwater robots and equipment from Cyprus Robotics, Caretta Robotics and the Eastern Mediterranean University’s Underwater Research and Imaging Centre.

Imaging taken 50 meters deep and seven miles off the coast showed no sign of any pollution caused by the slick.

A strong current flowing in a north westerly direction was detected confirming satellite imagery that the slick was moving in that direction.

According to information released by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, the oil on the surface sunk deep to the sea bottom after decomposing, dissolving and changing consistency before being carried with sea currents to other areas.

The ministry said that there was currently no threat to the Karpaz coastline.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Canaltay said that remnants of the Syrian oil slick were seen off the southern coast of Turkey and Larnaca.

“A large scale environmental disaster is being experienced. We are working on minimizing the impact it will have on marine life and how we can cooperate in reducing the scale of the disaster,” she said.