According to Reuters, the oil leak from a capsized barge, carrying approximately 35,000 barrels of fuel oil off the coast of Tobago in early February, has been successfully halted, said the twin islands’ government on 7th March 2024.
The spill, initially observed off Tobago’s Atlantic coast on February 7, caused harm to the island’s mangrove areas and posed a threat to its tourism and fishing industries. Additionally, the spill reached the Caribbean Sea, posing potential risks to neighboring Venezuela and nearby Caribbean islands like Bonaire.
The hydrocarbon discharge emanating from the overturned vessel located off the coast of Tobago has stopped.
..said a release from Trinidad and Tobago’s ministry of energy.
The ministry reported that the compartments of the vessel responsible for the oil leak have been filled with seawater above the leakage point, successfully preventing any further discharge of fuel oil.
To address the spill and address the leaking barge, the government has enlisted the services of remediation and salvage companies.
Details such as the spill’s volume, its source, the planned destination, and the ownership of the barge remain undisclosed. However, Trinidad noted that the vessel transporting fuel oil was in the company of a tugboat that is currently unaccounted for.
