Guyana authorities stabilize vessel to prevent oil spill

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) are coordinating a response to an incident involving a barge at a private wharf on the East Bank of Demerara. The vessel, which was reportedly carrying approximately 8,000 barrels of waste oil, was observed listing significantly while berthed.

Authorities have successfully stabilized the vessel, which is now upright with its cargo intact. As a precautionary measure to mitigate environmental impact, containment booms were deployed around the barge to restrict any potential movement of oil.

During a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, MARAD officials noted that the response utilized Guyana’s national maritime search-and-rescue arrangements. These arrangements involve cooperation between the Coast Guard, police, and other partner agencies through established memoranda of understanding. The emergency response was initially triggered by a satellite distress alert received via the COSPAS-SARSAT system.