Mystery vessel runs aground, Tobago beaches polluted

is necessary to the owners or the jurisdiction to which the vessel is assigned,” he said.

“The spill is extensive and can't give an exact measurement for the width or the span of he cale at the moment, but this update is that you are aware we are working on it,” he said.

Augustine said that the island was being helped by numerous stakeholders, with equipment and service providers stationed along the shoreline.

TEMA’s release stated that it was in collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority (ΕΜΑ) and had conducted a Preliminary Assessment along the coastline. Collection of samples for fingerprinting of the oil which reached the shoreline, has been done, it said.

These samples, it said, will be sent to the Institute of Marine Affairs to determine the origin of the oil.

TEMA said it is also coordinating efforts with key stakeholders, including the Environmental Management Authority, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Department of the Environment, Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, the Ministry of Energy and Woodside Energy to contain the environmental impact of the spill.

“The collective goal is to effectively contain the discharge of oil in the affected area and initiate cleanup procedures, ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities. Additionally, TEMA has received information of suspected oil deposits off the coast of Roxborough and Belle Garden. Samples will be collected to determine the source of the deposits,” it said.

The Agency advised fisherfolk and beach goers to stay clear of the area extending from Rockly Bay to Canoe Bay.