A large oil spill was spotted off Kythira island on Saturday afternoon causing a serious environmental damage.

The oil spill is longer than 1,000 meters and was possible caused by a ship which emptied a large amount of oil in the sea taking advantage of the adverse weather conditions, since the satellite could not record the incident.

The mayor of the island Efstratios Charchalakis told ANA-MPA that the damage caused is very serious, especially at the village Agia Pelagia. The spill has reached the coast, while the walls of the houses are black as strong winds are blowing in the area.

He also stressed that the residences cannot stay in the village as a result of the smell of the oil.