Source : Loop Caribbean
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) has confirmed that at least two vessels were involved in the oil spill incident -off Tobago’s southeastern coast- that has been engaging the attention of multiple state agencies.
A release from the Ministry of National Security (MNS) on Wednesday noted that based on investigations and footage obtained by the TTCG, the vessels were identified as a tugboat and a barge.
The release said further that the MNS is working with several stakeholders and a consultant to identify the vessels and their owners.
It said additionally, that investigations thus far revealed that the vessels appear to have been bound for Guyana, however, authorities there have confirmed that neither vessel arrived as anticipated.
“The TTCG has also confirmed that the barge was being towed by a tug, the ‘Solo Creed’ from Panama destined for Guyana,” the release said.
It said satellite imagery as well as photographs from the Dutch authorities in Aruba also assisted in identifying the vessels.
The release also noted that the TTCG is examining footage supplied by their Guyanese counterpart of the barge as it appeared to be sinking. It said however that neither vessel entered Guyana’s waters.
Additionally, the release noted that national security minister Fitzgerald Hinds was thankful for the support of the regional bodies and gave the assurance that the TTCG will continue to work with all other local and regional authorities in the investigation.