In pictures: Spanish oil slick

An oil slick is threatening Spain's north-western coast as salvage teams battle the elements in a bid to hold together a stricken tanker.

Fears mount of an ecological disaster on Spain's north-western coast.

Boats have been putting artificial barriers in place off the shore...

... but the first oil has been washing up in Galicia.

Stormy seas could break up the Prestige, which is carrying 77,000 tonnes of oil .

The slick has so far affected 40 kilometres of picturesque shoreline.

The Greek-registered tanker's crew have all been safely evacuated.