By Prior Beharry
THE Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) has reported that the hydrocarbon discharge from the overturned vessel off the coast of Cove, Tobago, has stopped.
In a release on Thursday, the ministry confirmed the stoppage following an underwater survey conducted by T&T Salvage/QT Environmental.
The vessel has leaked about 35,000 barrels of fuel oil after it was discovered capsized on February 7. The spill has been reported in Aruba.
According to the team from T&T Salvage/QT Environmental, the compartments of the vessel responsible for the hydrocarbon leak are now filled with seawater above the leak point. This strategic measure effectively blocks the flow of hydrocarbons, marking a crucial step in mitigating the environmental impact of the incident.
The team is actively working on developing a comprehensive plan to assess the remaining product on board and, subsequently, execute its removal, the release stated.
To enhance the hydrocarbon recovery efforts, two additional NOFI Current Busters and a Rapid Deployment Skimming System (RDSS) have been deployed. The RDSS is designed to recover concentrated hydrocarbons from the fluid collected using the NOFI Current Buster.
Regular overflights of the response efforts are being conducted in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.
The technical staff at the MEEI continues to collaborate with T&T Salvage, QT Environmental, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency (OSHA), Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, and other stakeholders. This collaborative effort is focused on progressing containment and salvaging strategies to address the aftermath of the overturned vessel and ensure the protection of the marine environment.
Support independent journalism. AZP News is an independent news organisation that is not affiliated with any big business and depends solely on advertising to pay our bills. Therefore, we are asking for the generosity of our readers to help us with small donations of any amount, but we will be happy with $10, $20 or $50. Click Here to Donate
