Bathing is forbidden on one of the beaches of La Grande-Motte, near Montpellier, following the appearance of a hydrocarbon slick. The decree, issued by the mayor of the Hérault seaside resort, Stephan Rossignol, concerns the Grand Travers beach, between accesses 46 to 56, “due to the potential health risk incurred by swimmers”.
The origin of this pollution is not specified, but it could be the release of gasoline from an outboard motor sailing near the beach. The slick extends for about 200 meters. Barriers have been put up on the beach to prevent access to the water. The prohibition order is valid until the health control carried out by the regional health agency presents results that comply with the standards in force.