Gulfstream: Mystery oil spill tanker refloated in Trinidad and Tobago

Original Report: www.bbc.com(full story)

The Gulfstream oil tanker, which capsized off Trinidad and Tobago in February, has been successfully refloated after causing a major oil spill. The operation was completed recently, and the vessel will now undergo inspection by divers before being towed away. The tanker was found abandoned with no crew and no emergency calls were made, leaving authorities unable to identify those responsible for the incident. Approximately 50,000 barrels of oil leaked, harming local beaches and leading to a national emergency declaration. Currently, the Gulfstream is floating in an overturned state at a depth of 60 meters, and measures are being taken to clean up any debris prior to towing it to the capital, Port-of-Spain. It’s suspected that the tanker originated from Panama and was destined for Guyana, but the tugboat that towed it has not been found. A clean-up operation involved around 1,000 volunteers working alongside government staff. The Energy Minister warned that the financial damage from this incident could reach $30 million, and the spill has reportedly impacted areas hundreds of miles away, including Bonaire.