The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has closed a section of Antigua’s western coastline between Seaforth Beach and Pinching Bay over suspected contamination linked to the nearby Cooks Landfill.

Fishing, sea bathing and all recreational and commercial activities have been suspended in the area until further notice.

Deputy Director Craig Cole said the move followed advice from the Ministry of Legal Affairs as investigations continue into the source and extent of the pollution.

The alert was triggered on Thursday after an oily substance was reported on the water’s surface at Hanson’s Bay. The Marine Pollution Committee was activated, deploying containment buoys and collecting water samples for testing at the Government laboratory.

Preliminary findings point to possible leakage from the landfill, and authorities have diverted water flow away from the affected cove. Cole also cited illegal dumping of raw sewage and other waste as a potential contributing factor, with police now investigating those reports.

Officials are awaiting laboratory results to determine the next steps and have urged the public to comply with the closure to protect public health and the marine environment.