Oil spill in Trinidad and Tobago still out of control Woman with child in her arms opens fire in megachurch in Texas

The massive oil spill off the coast of the Caribbean state of Trinidad and Tobago, caused by a mysterious shipwreck, continues to spiral out of control, according to the government. The clean-up work can therefore only start once the situation is under control.

“At the moment the situation is not yet under control,” Prime Minister Keith Rowley told reporters on Sunday. Divers have not yet been able to close the leak.

On Saturday, authorities announced that the oil extended at least 15 kilometers off the island of Tobago. A state of emergency was declared on Sunday. The oil spill affected, among other things, a coral reef and several beaches on the island, which are very popular with tourists. Residents of the town of Lambeau were asked to wear masks or leave the area temporarily. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, more than a thousand volunteers have been deployed to clean the beaches of oil.

No distress signals from the ship

The oil appears to come from a ship that capsized off the south coast of Tobago on Wednesday and was carried by the waves towards the beach. The accident appears mysterious: When the ship was spotted on Wednesday, it was flying an unidentifiable flag and sending no distress signals. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the crew has not been found.

Prime Minister Rowley said the ship may have been involved in “illegal” business. ‘We don’t know who it belongs to. We have no idea where it came from and we don’t know what it contains.” Divers saw the name “Gulfstream” on the side of the boat and found a length of cable, possibly indicating it was being towed, Rowley added.

Trinidad and Tobago is very popular among foreign tourists because of its picturesque beaches. Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income. The current carnival season, which could now be affected by the oil spill, plays an important role. (saw/sda/afp)