The twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago are currently in a state of “national emergency” following a massive oil spill along its southwest coast. This resulted in the southern beaches along the islands being coated in thick layers of oil, raising concerns about environmental consequences.
Almost a week later, the situation remains overwhelming, despite ongoing cleanup efforts. According to Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the nation, cleaning and restoration can only properly begin once the situation is controlled.
“Right now, the situation is not under control. But it appears to be under sufficient control that we think we can manage,” Rowley told local reporters on Monday.
The oil spill occurred on the southern shores of the Tobago Island on February 7, after an unknown vessel that had “apparently drifted upside down into Tobago.”
Subsequently, tons of chemicals were leaked into the seawater, and about 75 kilometers of the coastline is now affected. The boat, which was abandoned and left to sink, was identified as the “Gulfstream”.
The Government is unable to identify the owner of the boat, or how much the cleanup of the environment will cost. However, they vow to spare no expense in remedying the issue.
The leak has yet to be contained and continues to let out a hydrocarbon-based substance that is fouling the water and the coastline, according to the Prime Minister.