The government of Trinidad and Tobago has successfully refloated a mysterious tanker, known as the Gulfstream, which caused a significant oil spill after capsizing off the coast in February.
Refloating Operation Completed
The refloating operation was completed on Monday, with the tanker now securely afloat in an overturned position at a depth of 60 meters. The Gulfstream, which had been found without any crew on board after running aground and overturning off the southwestern coast of Tobago, will undergo a thorough inspection by divers before being towed away, according to the country’s energy ministry.
Investigation and Aftermath of the Spill
Since the incident, the government has been unable to identify those responsible for the tanker, which ran aground without issuing any emergency calls. The resulting spill released approximately 50,000 barrels of oil, severely damaging the pristine beaches of Tobago and leading to the declaration of a national emergency.
Next Steps for the Gulfstream
With the tanker now secured by tugs, a team of divers is set to assess its condition and remove any debris that could hinder its towing. The Gulfstream will be transported to Port-of-Spain, the capital of Trinidad, for further investigation and potential decommissioning.
The incident, which occurred just before the country’s carnival celebrations, remains unresolved as authorities continue to search for answers regarding the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Gulfstream and its abandoned state.
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