🛢️ An oil spill crisis is unfolding in Tobago, hitting its vital tourism and fishing industries hard.
Just over a week ago, Trinidad and Tobago's Coast Guard spotted a slick from a capsized barge, and the leak remains unplugged. The spill has spread miles from Tobago's shores, and neighboring nations are now on high alert as the oil slick continues to drift across the Caribbean Sea. 🌊
Trinidad has alerted Venezuela and Grenada about the potential impact on their coasts, and the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency has activated a contingency plan. Allan Stewart, head of Tobago's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), emphasized the urgency: \"This is not just a local issue; it's a regional concern.\" 🌐
The barge, believed to be carrying up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil, has caused extensive damage. Beaches are blackened, wildlife is threatened, and tourism is taking a hit. Several beachfront resorts have closed access to the ocean, and fishing communities are struggling. 🐠🐢
\"This looks like it will continue for a few weeks. I cannot simply sit down and do nothing,\" said fisherman Edwin Ramkisson. \"I need help cleaning my boat before moving to another port on the Caribbean side.\" His livelihood, like many others', is at stake. 🎣
The slick has already reached about 144 km into the Caribbean Sea, moving at a rate of 14 km per hour. Authorities are racing against time to contain the spill and prevent further damage. ⏳
The Scarborough cruise ship port is being protected by containment booms, but the situation remains critical. The spill's full impact on marine life and local economies is still unfolding. 🌎
As the oil continues to spread, communities across the Caribbean are coming together to respond to this environmental disaster. Solidarity and swift action are crucial to mitigate the damage and support those affected. 💪❤️
Reference(s):
Tobago's tourism, fishing hit as oil slick spreads across Caribbean
cgtn.com
