St. Eustatius government monitors small diesel spill

The government of St. Eustatius is monitoring a diesel spill in its waters involving a vessel. An estimated 20 to 30 liters of diesel entered the sea.

Local crisis management teams, including the interim island governor, Rijkswaterstaat (RWS), and GTI maritime personnel, were notified immediately. Response measures began shortly after detection. Due to the small volume and the nature of the fuel, officials expect the diesel to evaporate and disperse naturally over time. Consequently, containment booms were not deemed necessary.

Tugboats were utilized to help fragment and disperse the diesel on the surface using propeller wash. Initial observations indicated the spill was moving westward, and no impact on the coast of St. Eustatius is currently expected. An inspection of the vessel is underway to determine the cause of the leak. Authorities continue to monitor sea conditions, weather, and currents.