Caption: The capsized Gulfstream being towed in the Gulf of Paria near to Sea Lots. Photo: MEEI
THE overturned ‘Gulfstream’ barge has been successfully towed to Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The barge, which had been re-floated, embarked on a 30-hour journey from Cove, Tobago to Sea Lots, Port of Spain, a release from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) stated on Thursday.
This after it was found sunk off the southeastern coast of Tobago and causing an oil spill to the coastline since February 7.
The operation was carried out by two tugs provided by the National Energy Corporation and an additional support vessel, under the direction of technical experts from T&T Salvage LLC and QT Environmental.
The overturned barge was accompanied by a ‘Pollution Task Force’ consisting of local responders and QT Environmental crews. The task force was equipped with NOFI Current Buster Systems and Rapid Deployment Skimmer Systems (RDSS) to handle any potential hydrocarbon spills throughout the journey. Fortunately, the transit progressed smoothly and remained on schedule, the release stated.
Certified divers from ADCI conducted survey assessments of the barge on Wednesday at 5.25 pm off Chacachacare, Trinidad, ensuring the vessel could safely enter the Sea Lots channel. The final leg of the journey concluded on Thursday at 6.43 pm.
Weather conditions and tidal patterns played crucial roles in the timing and execution of the towing operation. Upon arrival at Sea Lots, Port of Spain, the final operational phase will involve preparing the barge for storage. It will then be officially handed over to the ‘Principal Receiver of Wrecks,’ the Director of Maritime Services, under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The ‘Principal Receiver of Wrecks’ is empowered under the ‘Shipping Act’ to exercise general direction and supervision over all matters relating to wrecks and salvage.
This handover will mark the end of the MEEI’s involvement in the operation, which was conducted in collaboration with international partners T&T Salvage and QT Environmental. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Stuart Young, SC, expressed his gratitude to all involved in the effort, particularly the MEEI staff who managed the operations from February to the present.
The MEEI also acknowledged the extensive support from various local and international partners, including the Tobago House of Assembly, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Works and Transport, and numerous other agencies and organizations. International support was provided by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited, International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, and Oil Spill Response Limited, among others.
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