An oil spil has occurred at an oil facility in the southern UK, local authorities in the Dorset region tells Sky News.

The leak comes from the Wytch Farm facility on the countries’ south west coast which is one of the largest onshore oil fields in Europe.

Authorities have declared the spill a ”major incident,” which essentially means an emergency which calls for specific elevated readiness.

According to UK newspaper The Guardian, approx. 200 barrels of reservoir fluid spilled into the water at Poole Harbor.

Dorset is known for its varied wildlife, especially wild foul, and has been made a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI).

The authorities have said members of the public should not swim on the Poole Harbour or the surrounding area.

”Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water,” says CEO of Poole Harbour Jim Stewart.

Back in 2011, the Wytch Farm Facility was taken over by Perenco. It was formerly run by BP. Perenco has confirmed a ”limited oil leak,” writes Sky News.

According to the oil and gas company, an incident management team was activated immediately and ”the leak was stopped”. Perenco also said it is working closely together with relevant authorities.

Poole is located next to Bournemouth, the largest city of Dorset.