Rio making "progress" to clean up bay

Sailing's international governing body World Sailing said Thursday that it has been encouraged by efforts to clean Rio's Guanabara bay for the Olympic Games in August.

World Sailing officials met with the Rio 2016 organizing committee and government representatives in Rio this week to discuss operational issues and seek assurances about the safety of the bay.

"We appreciate the work being done by Rio 2016 and its partners to welcome the best sailors from around the world," World Sailing CEO Andy Hunt said.

"Since our last visit in March, considerable progress has been made. Construction at the Marina da Gloria is almost complete and the water quality is noticeably better, particularly in the launch areas around the marina."

Rio's city government has admitted it will not be able to fulfill a 2009 pledge to reduce pollution in the bay by 80% in time for the Olympics.

But officials say large nets that block the flow of waste into competition areas and ecoboats that scoop up trash from the water's surface will ensure the bay is clean.

"During our review, we had an opportunity to meet with officials from the mayor's office and leading environmental authorities to review their latest water-quality data," Hunt said.

"The trend lines are encouraging, but it will be important that not a single day is lost in implementing the remaining measures that are planned, including the installation of a series of new eco barriers." Endit