Ferry crashes into a port wall in the Canary Islands leading to a three-kilometre oil slick

A 'loss of electrical power' is thought to be the cause

A ferry has crashed into a breakwater in a port in the Canary Islands leading to a three-kilometre oil slick.

Spanish authorities said 13 passengers were injured, with emergency services saying five of the wounded had to be hospitalised.

Manolo Vidal, spokesman for Naviera Armas, the company that owns the ferry, said that a "loss of electrical power" caused the accident as the boat was leaving the Puerta de la Luz on the island of Gran Canaria.

The company said that the ferry was able to dock following the accident and that the passengers had been placed in hotels.

Video footage of the incident shows the ferry hitting the breakwater and chunks of concrete tumbling onto the road.

The ferry crashed into underwater fuel pipes leading to a three-kilometre oil slick.

The regional government activated emergency plans to control and clean up the spill.

The Independent was unable to reach Naviera Armas for comment.