On January 3, authorities temporary closed the Kiel Canal at Brunsbüttel, Germany. Authorities reported a large slick of diesel fuel was discovered in the port of Brunsbüttel. The slick approximately 15 meters wide by 1,800 meters long.

The fire brigade from Brunsbüttel and Büsum arrived on site with pollution response equipment.  After three hours the pollution had been removed. 

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.  The source of the pollution has not yet been disclosed.