(Trinidad Guardian) The containment of the remaining 11,000 barrels of bunker fuel inside the Gulfstream barge at Cove has resumed following last week’s weather challenges and major oil leak. Last Wednesday, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) revealed a significant volume of hydrocarbon deposits had escaped the wreckage site.
In a release, it said the hydrocarbon release was caused by a disturbance of the vessel, likely due to adverse weather conditions.
Following a meeting led by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine that included THA and energy ministry officials, it was determined the leak was no immediate threat to the coastline.
But tensions mount among members of the All-Tobago Fisherfolk Association, who blame Energy and Energy Industries Minister Stuart Young and international salvaging company T&T Salvage for prematurely removing the containment booms from the wreckage site.
However, Young denied this, noting that the booms had been removed weeks ago and their absence had not led to any problems.
Yesterday, Allan Stewart, director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency, stated that operations have been running smoothly since then.
He said the spill has not affected the island’s shoreline.
“In the interest of safety, we understand clearly that during rough seas, it’s dangerous for the crew (wreckage site at Cove) to operate. For the past few days, the seasonal conditions have been perfect and calm. Is it moving fast enough? I’m reminded that this is a process that can take six to eight months. It’s not a quick fix, and based on where the vessel is and the behaviour or the sea conditions, this (spill) can occur even now and again.”
He said the ministry has engaged QT Environment, a global consultant specialising in oil spill response and prevention, in case of another spill. Due to the predicted inclement weather, Allan said all stakeholders are on standby for any future leaks.
The sunken Gulfstream barge off the Cove, Tobago.