Authorities have activated a coordinated response after a barge reportedly carrying approximately 8,000 barrels of waste oil was observed listing significantly at a private wharf on the East Bank of Demerara.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in a statement issued today, said no oil spill had been confirmed, but containment equipment and other response resources had been positioned as a precaution.
The operation involves the Maritime Administration Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard.
According to the CDC, authorities mobilised to assess the situation and implement measures to reduce the risk of a spill.
“Current efforts are focused on supporting the safe stabilisation of the vessel and reducing the likelihood of any environmental impact,” the commission stated.
It said the situation was stable at the time of the release and remained under continuous monitoring.
The statement did not identify the barge, its owner or the private wharf. It also did not explain what caused the vessel to list or specify the measures being taken to stabilise it.
The CDC said precautions were being taken to protect nearby communities, public safety and the surrounding environment, with resources positioned to respond should a spill occur.
Discussion