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UPDATE: According to TEMA, the oil has now reached the shores of the Lambeau area. “The current situation at the Bailey Bridge in Lambeau reflects the oil from the water off the coast at Cove Eco Industrial Park.” For safety reasons, fisherfolk and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay clear of the area extending from Rockly Bay to Canoe Bay.
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said it received reports on Wednesday (7th February, 2024) of an overturned vessel in the vicinity of the waters off the coast off Cove Eco Industrial and Business Park, Tobago. TEMA notes that North Post Radio did not receive distress calls from the vessel and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) is actively investigating the incident.
In response to the situation, TEMA, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), conducted a Preliminary Assessment along the coastline. Oil from the vessel has reached the shoreline, leading to the collection of samples for fingerprinting. These samples will be sent to the Institute of Marine Affairs to determine the origin of the oil.
In a Media Release this morning (Thursday 8th February, 2024), TEMA said the Tobago Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) has been activated at Level 2 (Orange), indicating that national assistance has been sought. At 8:00 AM this morning, a cleanup plan commenced with amalgamated personnel from CERT, Public Health, CEPEP, and URP, Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
TEMA notes that strategies for cleaning up the affected Rockley Bay area includes the creation of zones to which the teams shall be deployed. Additionally, field command posts have been activated on the ground, with central co-ordination from the TEOC. Oil Spill Response Equipment as well as two (2) vessels have been deployed, with divers, to the source area. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Beaches along the Atlantic coast of the island have been affected with oil-like substance deposits. For safety reasons, fisherfolk and beach goers are strongly advised to stay clear of the area extending from Rockly Bay to Canoe Bay. The TEOC continues to manage overall planning, co-ordination, and communication tools, supported by the necessary emergency support functions. Following reports of the overturned vessel on Wednesday, TEMA said in a Media Release that in order to address the environmental impact, it is co-ordinating efforts with key stakeholders, including the Environmental Management Authority, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Department of the Environment, Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, the Ministry of Energy, Woodside Energy, and other organizations. “The collective goal is to effectively contain the discharge of oil in the affected area and initiate cleanup procedures, ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities.” Additionally, TEMA said it has received information of suspected oil deposits off the coast of Roxborough and Belle Garden. Samples will be collected to determine the source of the deposits. TEMA said it remains vigilant, monitoring the situation closely, and will provide regular updates as the response efforts progress. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. We are a small operation. If you've found our articles to be informative, please consider supporting us via PayPal or buying us a coffee. Your contribution is incredibly appreciated and goes a long way. Simply sharing our articles also helps us. Sign up for our free WhatsApp Alerts to be notified as soon as we post breaking news. NEW! Check out our Merchandise Store for high-quality t-shirts, hats and more!
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