Brisbane River oil spill: pelicans affected in fuel leakage

Up to five pelicans are believed to have been affected by an oil spill in the Brisbane River that has spread upstream to Breakfast Creek.

Five tonnes of fuel oil leaked into the river at about 6.45am (AEST) on Monday as a livestock carrier was being refuelled at Hamilton wharves.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) said about five pelicans covered in oil have been spotted but it's believed only one has so far been rescued.

MSQ acting general manager Jim Huggett said it would take several days for the oil to be cleaned up.

"The incoming tide carried some oil sheen upstream as far as Breakfast Creek, but as the tide turns our aim is to prevent oil affecting areas downstream such as environmentally sensitive mangroves," Huggett said.

Containment booms are in place to stop the oil from reaching the mangroves, he said.

"An oil skimmer vessel is sucking up oil from the water and trucks with vacuum hoses are pumping oil directly from the spill site to wharf side," Huggett said.

The clean-up is expected to be called off at about 9pm (AEST) and to restart early on Tuesday morning.

MSQ has begun an investigation into the cause of the spill.

The cargo ship GL Lan Xiu was being refuelled by the Valliant III at Hamilton Number 4 Wharf when the spill occurred.

About 2000 head of cattle, which were due to be loaded on board the GL Lan Xiu, remain on shore, MSQ said.

Source: Industry Search