The Venezuelan FSO Nabarima has severely listed at approximately eight degrees to starboard. The ship is permanently moored at the Corocoro oil field in the Gulf of Paria.
A few months ago the Unitary Federation of Petroleum Workers of Venezuela (FUTPV) warned that the Nabarima had taken on a serious list and has about nine feet of water in its lower decks. During that time, Nabarimawas carrying around about 1.3 million barrels of oil on board.
Last month, it became known that the vessel had sustained a water leak, which was resolved. According to Eni, the company is attemptings to offload the oil, which is subject to American sanctions. Nevertheless, no offloading has taken place as of now, with Eni having asked the U.S. government to approve a plan.
As for the U.S. State Department, it indicated last week that it has no objection to a salvage intervention:
The United States’ Venezuela sanctions program is not designed to target activities addressing safety, environmental, or humanitarian concerns. These activities to avert an ecological disaster are consistent with U.S. policy to support the Venezuelan people and avoid further harm to the environment
What is more, Eudis Girot, the head of Unitary Federation of Petroleum Workers of Venezuela (FUTPV), urged for immediate action to offload the oil and save the ship.
As he exaplained, union members who work on board have warned about critical conditions and extensive mechanical problems.
