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29 July 2010 - The Gulf of Mexico, Dalian and now Hong Kong: the pristine beaches of Repulse Bay have been polluted by a thick, smelly oil slick. One official described the slick as "rainbow colored oil-sheen". The authorities of the local Environmental Protection Department have - in all their wisdom - come out with a statement that the oil does not originate from land, but have otherwise drawn a blank. Thanks very much for their helpful contribution (... ). The beach on Hong Kong island was closed yesterday for a clean-up, and it was not clear if the beach would remain closed for the weekend or not. One Marine Department official said it was probably fuel oil and samples were being collected to determine the properties of the oil. However, he also acknowledged that finding the source of the oil was probably slim. Hundred of container ships and tankers pass south of Hong Kong on a daily basis. What frustrates me is that nothing can be done about this.