Emergency Response
The capsizing of the Gulfstream set off a frantic effort by emergency responders in Trinidad and Tobago to contain and clean up the massive oil spill.
Source: Loop
The spill, which occurred near the Caribbean islands, threatened the region’s vibrant Carnival tourism, casting a dark shadow over the festivities.
A Silent Disaster
Despite the magnitude of the disaster, the ship had made no emergency distress calls, and there were no signs of the crew or any clear indication of the vessel’s ownership.
Source: MercoPress
Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago declared the situation a national emergency, emphasizing the severe environmental impact as the oil spill stretched across nearly 10 miles of coastline.
Environmental Damage and Suspicions of Illicit Activity
The leak caused extensive damage to a reef and several Atlantic beaches, leading authorities to advise residents of the nearby village of Lambeau to either wear protective masks or temporarily evacuate the area.
Source: atlascompany/Freepik
Rowley further speculated that the mystery vessel might have been involved in illegal activities, stating, “We don’t know who it belongs to. We have no idea where it came from, and we also don’t know all that it contains.”
Tense Confrontation Over Unauthorized Boarding
In late August, coast guard officers engaged in a tense confrontation when unidentified individuals attempted to board the wrecked Gulfstream.
Source: Loop
The energy ministry reported that the attempted unauthorized boarding took place on a Friday night.
Coast Guard Intervenes
“There was an attempted unauthorized boarding of a support vessel by unidentified individuals,” the ministry said.
Source: Marine Link
“Officers attached to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard were on-site and intervened. There was an exchange of gunfire, and one member of the response crew sustained a non-life-threatening injury.”
Salvaging Efforts Amid Gang Activity Concerns
At the time of the attempted boarding, the Gulfstream had been recently refloated and was being transported to the Sea Lots area near Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, for salvaging.
Source: Freepik
The area where the incident occurred is known for its high level of gang activity, which prompted the energy ministry to collaborate with local police and the army to ensure the security of the site.
Vanishing Barge Adds to Ownership Mystery
The mystery surrounding the ownership of the Gulfstream deepened when authorities discovered that the “Solo Creed,” a barge that had been towing the tanker when it capsized, had turned off its tracking beacon.
Source: Freepik
The barge then vanished, along with its crew.
International Efforts to Trace the Tanker's Owners
In May, the energy ministry announced that official requests had been sent to several countries, including Tanzania, Nigeria, and Panama.
Source: Wikimedia
Additional requests were also made to Aruba and Curacao in an effort to identify those responsible for the tanker.
National Emergency
During the oil spill, Prime Minister Rowley reiterated the severity of the situation, describing it as a national emergency.
Source: TEMA/Facebook
The government released images and video footage of crews working tirelessly through the night to contain the spread of the oil. Additionally, satellite images showing the affected areas were shared on social media, highlighting the extent of the environmental disaster.
Hotspot for Trafficking
Trinidad and Tobago, an archipelago with a population of 1.4 million, is renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant Carnival celebrations.
Source: Freepik
However, its proximity to Venezuela has made it a strategic stopover point for various illicit trafficking activities.
Drug Find Highlights Ongoing Challenges After Oil Spill
Just a week after the oil spill, authorities found a black plastic bag containing more than a kilogram of cocaine washed ashore near the site where the barge had capsized.
Source: doidam10/Freepik
While it remains unclear if the drugs were connected to the Gulfstream, the incident further underscores the complexities and challenges faced by the nation in the aftermath of the spill.