Written by Miriam Kupfer
February 11, 2024 21:46, Updated February 11, 2024 22:57
A massive oil spill off the coast of Tobago, blackening the coast, is “out of control,” the prime ministers of both countries say.
The spill occurred after a mysterious 300-foot-long ship capsized off the coast of the Caribbean island on Wednesday. There was no emergency call, no sign of the crew, and no obvious sign of the owner.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley declared: Today was a national emergency after an oil leak from a ship affected about 10 miles of coastline.
“Cleaning and restoration can begin as soon as the situation is under control. At the moment the situation is not under control,” the prime minister told reporters.
Divers have so far been unable to plug a leak that has turned Tobago’s beautiful white sand beaches black.
Hundreds of volunteers have been struggling to stop the oil’s spread since Thursday, and the government is appealing for more help.
The leak has damaged coral reefs and the Atlantic coastline, and residents of Lambeau have been advised to wear masks or temporarily relocate.
The spill comes at the height of Carnival, threatening tourism, which is vital to the dual-island nation’s economy.
It is still unclear how severely the tourism industry will be affected. A cruise ship carrying 3,000 people entered Tobago on Sunday.
Lowry said the mystery vessel may have been involved in “illegal” business, adding: “We don’t know who it belongs to.” I don’t know where it came from, and I don’t know what it’s all about. ”
Lowry said divers found the name “Gulfstream” on the side of the ship and determined the length of the cable, possibly indicating it was being towed.
The island’s emergency management agency said there were no signs of life on board.
“Tobago was never prepared for this kind of spill. You’re talking about an island that doesn’t have enough booms, no storage facilities or adequate facilities to store this kind of oil and toxic materials. We are talking about an island that does not have adequate storage capacity,” Farley Chavez, Principal Secretary of the Tobago Parliament, told local media.
“We never prepared for this to happen as a contingency.”