Operations to refloat the overturned barge near Cove, Tobago, have been delayed due to rough seas caused by adverse weather alerts and Tropical Storm Ernesto, according to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.
On Tuesday, TEMA director Allan Stewart said efforts had begun to remove the sunken Gulfstream barge, which began spewing bunker fuel off the Cove’s coast on February 7.
But in a statement yesterday, the ministry said the operation, which was originally scheduled for August 5-10, was postponed after rough seas created unsafe conditions for the recovery team.
The ministry said the decision to halt the process was made to safeguard personnel and prevent damage to critical equipment. Officials reaffirmed that the safety of all personnel remains the top priority, especially as the hurricane season and wet season conditions persist.
It said the next attempt to refloat and tow the vessel will depend on recommendations from international experts overseeing the salvage efforts.
The ministry said until then, the vessel remains in its overturned state, anchored at its location off the Cove.
It explained that leading up to this phase, it had, in collaboration with T&T Salvage, completed a successful de-inventory operation. Beginning in April 2024, the ministry said, this effort resulted in the safe removal of approximately 32,303 barrels of hydrocarbons from the barge, mitigating environmental risks.
The ministry said it continues to lead and coordinate the recovery process, maintaining real-time communication with all relevant agencies.
—Rhondor Dowlat