Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Considers National Emergency Due to Severe Oil Spill Near Tobago

The serene waters of the southern Caribbean are now the center of an escalating environmental crisis. Trinidad & Tobago’s leadership, led by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, is on the verge of declaring a national emergency in response to a challenging oil spill situation off Tobago’s coast, which remains uncontrolled.

Early on a Wednesday morning, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency was alerted to a distressing sight: a capsized ship near the Cove Eco-Industrial Estate, accompanied by the distressing arrival of a thick, oil-like substance along the coast stretching from Canoe Bay to Scarborough, and extending further north.

By the evening, divers had attempted to identify the vessel through its International Maritime Organization (IMO) registration number, but the murky waters and the ship’s instability thwarted their efforts. The situation worsened by Thursday, as the pervasive smell of asphalt forced businesses in Scarborough to shut down, signaling the onset of cleanup operations on the island’s west side. These efforts also confirmed the absence of any individuals on board the derelict ship, which, according to Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, might have been adrift for an extended period before impacting a coral reef near Canoe Bay.

Subsequent investigations revealed extensive damage to the ship, with the main living quarters and parts of the superstructure detached, prompting a search for any possible trapped individuals. Alvin Douglas, leading the emergency dive team from Tobago Marine Safety and Security Services Ltd, noted the discovery of a cable attached to the bow, indicating the vessel might have been under tow prior to capsizing.

Amid ongoing efforts to contain the spill and speculation about the ship’s origins, officials have faced challenges in sealing the leak and mitigating the environmental impact. The response has included deploying booms and cleaning oil-soaked sargassum from affected beaches.

A Sunday press briefing by Augustine and Rowley highlighted unresolved questions about the vessel’s identity and origins, despite it being tentatively named “Gulfstream” by some reports. The absence of a clear IMO number complicates the response, with plans to employ infrared technology for further examination.

Rowley expressed concerns over the vessel’s background, emphasizing the need for testing to identify the specific type of hydrocarbon contaminating the waters. The prime minister acknowledged the necessity of international assistance for the salvage operation, given the scope exceeds local capabilities, though he also mentioned that significant aid has been offered by international partners.

Despite efforts to stabilize the situation, Rowley and Augustine underscored the ongoing risks, including potential shifts in the vessel’s position or structural integrity due to natural forces. The spill’s impact on local communities and the environment remains a pressing concern, especially with the disruption of Tobago’s Carnival activities and the advisories issued to fishers and boaters to avoid the affected area.

Authorities continue to prioritize containment and cleanup efforts, with a focus on safeguarding public health and the environment, as the situation in Tobago remains a testament to the challenges of managing maritime disasters and the importance of international cooperation in response efforts.