Impact of oil slick on tourism and fishing in Tobago as it spreads across the Caribbean

An oil spill in Tobago Island, Trinidad and Tobago, is seen in this handout photo released February 10, 2024. Office of the Chief Secretary - THA/Handout via REUTERS
Nine days after the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard discovered an oil slick, an oil leak from a capsized barge remains unplugged, causing concern in the Caribbean region. The spill has spread miles from the coast of Tobago, prompting alerts to neighboring Caribbean countries. The origin and destination of the barge remain unclear.
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The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard has been unable to plug an oil leak from a capsized barge nine days after the initial discovery, triggering alarm throughout the Caribbean. The oil spill has spread miles from the coast of Tobago and prompted authorities to alert neighboring countries including Venezuela and Grenada. Details of the incident, including the type of petroleum that leaked and the owner of the ship, remain unclear. The spill has impacted wildlife and tourism in Tobago, causing beach and golf resorts to close access to the sea.

The barge was believed to have carried up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil, and around 2,000 barrels of oil have been collected so far. However, the island is lacking protective equipment for volunteers and crews. The ship’s intended destination and its origin also remain unclear, with conflicting reports from the Trinidad government and monitoring services. Venezuela’s oil minister confirmed that the ship had nothing to do with state-owned oil company PDVSA but stated that the country was cooperating with Trinidad’s investigation.

The oil slick, which has penetrated about 89 miles deep into the Caribbean Sea, poses a threat to the Scarborough cruise port, and has impacted local fishermen and tourism. The spill has prompted concerns about the environmental impact and the lack of equipment and resources available for clean-up efforts.

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