Following the mystery vessel’s grounding near the Caribbean island, which negatively impacted Carnival tourism, emergency personnel in Trinidad and Tobago are working feverishly to mop up a major oil spill.
A national emergency was proclaimed by Prime Minister Keith Rowley on Sunday due to oil leakage from the vessel that impacted around 15km (almost 10 miles) of shoreline.
“Only once we have the situation under control can we start cleaning and restoration. The issue is not under control at the moment, Rowley informed reporters.
The spill, according to environmental officials, has harmed a reef and Atlantic beaches, which is a serious indication for the resorts and hotels on the islands, which are the backbone of the local economy during Carnival season.
Thus far, divers have not been able to stop the leak. According to Rowley, they noticed the name Gulfstream on the side of the vessel and saw a cable, which would have meant it was being towed.
Currents have carried the capsized vessel shoreward after it overturned on February 7 off the coast of the Cove Eco-Industrial Park in southern Tobago.
The ship was sailing under an unknown flag and had not made any emergency calls when it was discovered on Wednesday.
The ship’s cargo was first thought to be made up of wood and sand, but the island’s Emergency Management Agency reported that there were no signs of life on board.
The spill occurs during the busiest time of the Carnival, endangering the vital tourism industry to the economy of the two-island nation.
