OVERTURNED VESSEL OFF COVE INDUSTRIAL PARK TOBAGO

Scarborough, Tobago – February 7th, 2024 – The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) received urgent reports yesterday, February 7th, 2024, of an overturned vessel in the waters off the coast of the Cove Eco Industrial and Business Park in Tobago. While North Post Radio did not receive distress calls from the vessel, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) immediately launched an active investigation into the incident.

In swift response to the unfolding situation, TEMA, in crucial collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), conducted a preliminary assessment along the affected coastline. It was confirmed that oil from the vessel had reached the shoreline, prompting the urgent collection of samples for “fingerprinting.” These samples are being sent to the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) to definitively determine the origin and type of the spilled oil.

To effectively address the environmental impact, TEMA is coordinating a multi-agency response involving key stakeholders. These include 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. Their collective goal is to efficiently contain the discharge of oil in the affected area and initiate comprehensive cleanup procedures, ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.

Additionally, TEMA received concerning information about suspected oil deposits off the coast of Roxborough and Belle Garden. Samples from these areas will also be collected to determine if they are linked to the same source.

For safety reasons, fisherfolk and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay clear of the area extending from Rockly Bay to Canoe Bay. TEMA confirmed it remains highly vigilant, monitoring the situation closely, and pledged to provide regular updates as the complex response efforts progress. This incident highlights the critical need for robust emergency protocols for oil spill response in Tobago.