(Trinidad Guardian) On Tuesday, a significant hydrocarbon deposit was detected drifting from the gulf stream vessel near the Cove area in Tobago.
Following a meeting led by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, involving officials from the THA and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, it was confirmed that the leak is no immediate threat to the coastline.
Director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency, Allan Stewart, says there is no need for panic.
“It has been moving westward away from the vessel towards the Crown Point area, and it is going away from the island,” the TEMA boss explained. “So, it’s not an immediate threat to land.”
Allan Stewart told Guardian Media that in addition to TEMA conducting regular reconnaissance, T&T Salvage will be carrying out an emergency response plan.
He said the Energy Ministry continues to monitor activity at the wreckage site.
Meanwhile, president of the All-Tobago Fisherfolk Association Curtis Douglas is blaming the Central Government, as well as international salvaging company T&T Salvage for this most recent leak of bunker fuel from the wreckage site.
At a press conference on Thursday morning, Douglas said he believes the leak could have been avoided if the oil boom had remained around the wreckage site, as fisherfolk had recommended.
The Tobago fisherfolk spokesman warned that fishermen will act.
“I am calling on the Ministry of Energy and T&T Salvage. Do not play with the fisherfolk and the children and the fishing industry in Tobago. Your approach and intention seem to want to invite a riot in Tobago against you all,” Douglas stated.
He also issued an appeal for cooperation:
“T&T Salvage and Ministry of Energy, work with the fisherfolk to ensure that the fisherfolk fishing ground is not damaged, and to ensure that marine life is preserved.”
The authorities believe the hydrocarbon release was caused by a disturbance of the vessel, likely due to adverse weather conditions this week.
