ALMOST a year after the disastrous February 7, 2024, oil spill off the coast of Cove, caused the overturned Gulfstream barge, hydrocarbon deposits are still being found in Tobago's waters.
The oil spill affected approximately 15 km of Tobago's southwestern coast and reached as far as Grenada and Bonaire.
In a media release on February 2, the Office of the Chief Secretary said oil was found along Petit Trou Bay, Lambeau. It added that absorbent booms have been deployed along environmentally sensitive locations, particularly near wetlands.
The OCS said preliminary assessments by the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) attributed the return of the oil to "a combination of natural factors."
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine held an emergency technical meeting on February 1 to assess the situation, review mitigation efforts and co-ordinate a plan. Also present at the meeting were TEMA, the Environmental Management Authority, the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection and other stakeholders.
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Residents were advised to refrain from recreational activities in the affected area.
The OCS advised the public that if the oily substance is swallowed, rinse the mouth immediately and seek medical attention. It advised against inducing vomiting, but if vomiting occurs, keep the head low to prevent stomach content from entering the lungs.
If the substance gets in the eyes, flush the eyes immediately with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
