A ship of unknown ownership and origin has been found capsized off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago with tons of oil leaking into the sea. The ship, which is said to have capsized on February 7, had no signs of crew or a captain, according to CBS News. Additionally, no emergency calls were made when the ship capsized. This is presumed to be due to the oil spill and the avoidance of potential fees associated with the cleanup.
Videos of the ship oil spill have gone viral on TikTok, where users have raised alarms about environmental damage impacting local wildlife and reefs. Users have also commented on the negative impacts that may arise to the tourism sector, an important revenue stream for Tobago.
@dayreonmOil and fuel is now polluting many of Tobago’s reefs and coastlines in the southwestern area, and has so far spread approximately 8 kilometers along the coast.♬ original sound – DayreonM
“Cleaning and restoration can only begin as soon as we have the situation under control. Right now the situation is not under control,” said Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley. A national emergency has been declared to clean up this Tobago oil spill.
