Bellingcat has provided an update on the tug boat involved in the oil spill which occurred in Trinidad and Tobago a few months ago, saying that it was detained in Angola for breaching security parameters.
In February 2024, an oil spill occurred in Trinidad and Tobago, despite efforts to locate the tug involved in the incident, the tug Solo Creed disappeared until May 11, 2024, when it was detained by the Angolan Navy off Luanda for breaching security perimeters near oil extraction blocks 17 and 18.
The vessel claimed it was seeking supplies without authorization. This incident came amidst disputes over maritime borders between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bellingcat reports.
According to Bellingcat, satellite imagery confirmed the Solo Creed’s presence in Luanda, Angola, matching its appearance prior to the spill. The vessel, now labeled “SC,” arrived between May 9 and May 16 and was still present as of May 25.
Despite local media coverage of its detainment, there was no mention of its involvement in the Tobago oil spill. However, on May 23, Trinidad and Tobago’s government acknowledged the connection and sought communication with Angola.
The oil spill’s cleanup cost is estimated at $23.5 million USD, with no identified insurer for the Solo Creed.