Zero Emissions. Total Precision
Aerial Media Acquisition throughout Gosport, Hampshire and across the Home Counties.
mark@airpixdrones.co.uk l +44 (0)2392436381 l +44 (0)7939477422
AirpiX Case Study:
Loch Linnhe Oil Spill
Oil Spill Aerial Assessment.
Loch Linnhe - Corbach, Scotland.
While capturing aerial media of the wreck of the Motor Fishing Vessel MV Dayspring, located on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe at Corpach, near Fort William, something unexpected was observed. As the drone circled the site, it became clear that there was a possible oil slick spreading across the surface of the loch.
At first glance, it appeared to be a minor sheen; however, as the drone’s camera panned further across the water, the true scale of the slick became apparent. It extended for over a kilometre in length and was approximately 500 metres wide, forming a substantial and clearly visible layer on the water’s surface.
The potential for environmental damage was immediately evident such a large slick posed a serious threat to local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and the shoreline habitats along Loch Linnhe. It also risked contaminating the local beaches .
Using the aerial perspective, we were able to quickly assess the extent of the contamination. Recognising the urgency of the situation and the potential environmental impact, the drone was immediately brought back to land.
Steps were then taken to identify the appropriate environmental authorities or response teams to report the incident, ensuring that the information could be passed on swiftly and accurately for further investigation and potential action.
Scottish Environental Protection Agency (SEPA) were contacted and informed of the Oil Spill and the extent of the size of it. An incident was created and a SEPA Officer assigned to the case.
Due to the angle of sunlight reflecting off the water, the oil spill was not visible from ground level, making it extremely difficult to assess the extent of the contamination from the shoreline. As a result, AirpiX was asked by SEPA to assist in documenting the incident from the air.
Using our high-resolution drone systems, we were tasked with capturing as much aerial footage as possible including both still imagery and video to help provide a clearer understanding of the spill's scale, spread, and potential impact.
one of the smaller patches of the Oil Spil.
The aerial perspective allowed for accurate observation and recording, supporting SEPA’s environmental assessment and response planning efforts.
Drawing on many years of experience working in maritime environments, Mark our Pilot was able to make an informed assessment of the nature of the spill. Based on the appearance, spread pattern, and behaviour of the slick on the water's surface, it was determined that the substance was most likely either a light oil or a diesel-based spillage, both of which tend to disperse quickly but can still pose significant environmental risks.
Aerial image showing the view to the West over the
Islands of Eilean a' Bhealaidh and Eilean na Creiche.
This initial on-site assessment was promptly relayed to SEPA to support their ongoing evaluation of the incident. Providing this kind of real-time, aerial insight at an early stage is vital in helping environmental authorities build an accurate picture of the situation.
It allows them to make more informed decisions about whether a formal containment or cleanup operation is necessary, and how best to coordinate resources if so.
This material proved valuable in supporting SEPA’s environmental response and ensuring that an accurate visual record of the event was preserved
Spill viewed to the North West towards Clydeport, Corpach
However, the process of gathering aerial media was not without its challenges. While drones offer an invaluable perspective in situations like this, operations are still subject to strict aviation legislation particularly in regard to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) requirements. Under current regulations, drone pilots must maintain an unobstructed line of sight to their aircraft at all times, even when operating over open water.
In this case, the drone could legally be flown up to approximately 500 metres from the pilot's position, which limited how far out we could track the full extent of the oil slick. Despite this, we were still able to capture high-quality still images and video footage that clearly documented the scale and spread of the pollution.
Once all available aerial imagery and video footage had been successfully captured by AirpiX, a secure Dropbox folder was created to store and organise the media files.
The full set of high-resolution stills and video was then uploaded, and access was granted to the SEPA Case Officer overseeing the incident.
This allowed SEPA to review the material in detail and use it as part of their ongoing investigation into the source and extent of the oil spill
Aerial image of the extent of the Spill viewed to the South West of Loch Linneh with Ben Nevis in the back ground
Aerial video footage captured by AirpiX clearly shows the extent of the oil spill as it drifts northward, beginning east of the Isle of Eilean na Criche and spreading towards Corpach Marina and the Corpach Sea Loch, near the entrance to the Caledonian Canal.
The footage provides a valuable overview of the spill's reach and potential Environmental impact on the natural environment, Sea Life, nearby waterways and maritime infrastructure.
(Video reduced to 720p to aid in loading speed)