A massive oil spill has spiraled out of control off the coast of the tiny Caribbean state of Trinidad and Tobago after a mysterious shipping accident. The oil extends at least 15 kilometers off the island of Tobago, local authorities said this weekend.
A coral reef and several beaches on the island, which are very popular with tourists, are affected. More than a thousand volunteers are working to clean up oil from already polluted beaches. “At the moment the situation is not yet under control,” Prime Minister Keith Rowley told journalists on Sunday (see video above). To date, divers have been unable to plug the leak in the shipwreck.
Residents of the town of Lambeau were asked to wear masks or leave the area temporarily. The oil apparently came from a ship (photo below) that capsized off the south coast of Tobago on Wednesday and was driven towards the beach by waves.
It is unclear who owns the capsized ship
The accident appears mysterious: When the ship was spotted on Wednesday, it was flying an unidentifiable flag and sending no distress signals. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the crew has not been found.
Prime Minister Rowley said the ship may have been involved in “illegal” business. “We don’t know who it belongs to. We have no idea where it came from and we don’t know what it contains.” Divers saw the name “Gulfstream” on the side of the boat and found a length of cable, possibly indicating it was being towed, Rowley added.
Trinidad and Tobago is very popular among foreign tourists because of its picturesque beaches. Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income. The current carnival season, which could now be affected by the oil spill, plays an important role.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
