An environmental crisis is unfolding in the Caribbean as a massive oil spill from a capsized barge near Tobago continues to spread unchecked for over a week. 🚨 First reported by Trinidad and Tobago’s Coast Guard, the leak has now traveled 144 km across the sea, threatening coastal communities and marine life while leaving fishermen and tourism workers scrambling.
Tourism Takes a Hit 🏖️
Beachfront resorts and golf courses on Tobago’s Atlantic shore have temporarily closed ocean access as sticky black sludge coats once-pristine sands. The nearby Scarborough cruise port is deploying containment booms in a race against time. 🌴 Local authorities warn the spill could impact neighboring islands like Grenada and Venezuela next.
Fishermen Fight for Survival 🐟
'I need help cleaning my boat before moving to another port,' said Edwin Ramkisson, a snapper fisherman whose livelihood in Lowlands has been paralyzed. The spill coincides with peak fishing season, with many now fearing long-term damage to marine ecosystems. 🐠
Regional Response Activated 🤝
The Caribbean Disaster Management Agency has mobilized under regional group Caricom, while Trinidad and Tobago officials estimate the barge carried up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil. Major questions remain unanswered about the vessel’s ownership, destination, and missing crew members. 🔍
As cleanup efforts intensify, residents and environmentalists demand answers – and action – to prevent what could become one of the Caribbean’s worst ecological disasters in recent memory. 🌍
