The Environmental Management Authority (EMA), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, OSHA, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, and the Maritime Services Division are on alert as a vessel carrying 900 barrels of diesel fuel sank while demobilising in the Gulf of Paria.
According to a release from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, at around 8:30 on Wednesday morning, Liftboat Daniela, a barge owned by Trinity Liftboat Services Limited, was attempting to demobilise in the Heritage Petroleum Company Limited’s North Field in the Gulf of Paria when it capsized, sinking to the sea floor.
Six persons who were onboard the barge were safely removed. The Ministry says focus will now be on salvage and ensuring no oil spills during this process.
Response efforts are being spearheaded by Trinity Liftboat Services Limited.
The barge was not contracted or performing service for Heritage at the time of the incident. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation.