WILLEMSTAD - An oil spill has occurred in the sea near Trinidad & Tobago, and meanwhile, parts of the oil slick have reached the shores of Bonaire, where emergency and cleanup services have been mobilized. The incident involves a vessel that encountered issues, and since February 7, the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard has been reporting the oil spill from this vessel. Authorities in Trinidad & Tobago are currently working to contain the spill.
The oil has now reached the beaches of Bonaire, and there is concern that it may possibly reach the northern coast of Curaçao. Actions by the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), Coast Guard, Harbor Master, and other agencies are monitoring the situation and initiating preparations to deal with a potential contamination of the sea on the northern/western side of Curaçao. As of midday today, observers have not reported oil stains in our territorial waters. Carmabi is monitoring areas such as Spaanse Water and Oostpunt and has not discovered anything yet. All maritime agencies are on high alert, keeping the situation under close scrutiny, and will provide more information when necessary.
Photo: Vessel off the coast of Trinidad & Tobago and the oil slick emanating from it.