Oil spill spreads across Caribbean from Tobago to Bonaire
Oil from a capsized barge off the coast of Tobago has spread over hundreds of miles, reaching the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Authorities on Bonaire, located 50 miles (80km) north of the Venezuelan coast, have expressed concerns about the oil’s impact on both humans and the environment.
Bonaire is the latest victim of oil contamination stemming from the barge, which ran aground earlier this month. Ownership of the barge and the cause of its sinking remain uncertain.
As a special municipality of the Netherlands, Bonaire’s authorities have reported pollution along the island’s east coast, including areas like Sorobon, Lac, and Lagun. They have also highlighted the risks posed to the island’s mangrove forests, fish populations, and coral ecosystems.
The oil leak was initially detected by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard on February 7th. The source was traced to a barge lodged on a reef approximately 150 meters (500 ft) off Tobago’s southern coast.
The barge, bearing the name “Gulfstream,” was found without a crew onboard, and no distress signals were received. Trinidad and Tobago authorities revealed that the barge originated in Panama and was being towed, seemingly destined for Guyana.