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4 clusters · 76 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

Pemex pipeline leak in the Gulf of Mexico

Overview

A crude oil leak was detected on September 10 from a Pemex underwater collection pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico, located approximately 46 nautical miles north of Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. The leak affected the Cantarell extraction complex, specifically serving platforms including Ek-TA, Balam-TA, Balam-A, Balam-TB, and Balam-TA2. In response, the Mexican Navy activated its Local Contingency Plan via the Regional Emergency Attention and Management Group (GRAME), deploying the ocean patrol ARM ‘Guanajuato’, four vessels, two aircraft, and 255 naval personnel. Pemex depressurized and isolated the pipeline by closing safety valves. Monitoring by the Permanent Observatory of the Gulf of Mexico using satellite imagery indicated the slick was moving west and unlikely to reach the coast within five days, though a potential cold front could alter this trajectory. By September 13, Pemex reported no further oil emanation since the initial detection. Containment efforts transitioned to mechanical dispersion and the deployment of oleophilic barriers. Technical teams completed seabed dredging and worked to remove concrete ballast to facilitate the installation of a metal sleeve over the damaged section. By September 18, Pemex confirmed the damaged section of the submarine pipeline was repaired using a specialized metal sleeve and that pressure tests were successful. However, environmental organizations, including the Red Corredor Arrecifal del Golfo de México, expressed concern that the spill—which initially measured approximately 12.7 kilometers in length—could reach the coasts of Veracruz and Tabasco, particularly if northern wind events occur. Activists have criticized Pemex for not publicly disclosing the specific type or quantity of hydrocarbons spilled during the five days the incident was active. This incident is part of a broader trend for the company; Pemex has recorded at least 10 emergencies in the Gulf of Mexico and southern Mexico during the first nine months of 2026, including spills, leaks, and fires.

Entities

Pemex · Gulf of Mexico · ASEA · Ciudad del Carmen · Secretaría de Marina

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Pemex oil spill in Gulf of Mexico threatens Mexican coasts

    A 12.7-kilometer oil spill near Pemex's Balam complex in the Gulf of Mexico threatens the coasts of Veracruz and Tabasco, prompting calls for transparency from environmental groups.

  2. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Pemex records multiple oil spills and leaks in 2026

    Pemex has faced at least 10 emergencies in 2026, including leaks and fires in the Gulf of Mexico, causing environmental damage and fatalities. Recent incidents include a pipeline pressure drop in the Cantarell-

  3. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Pemex denies oil spill will reach Campeche coast

    Pemex reports that an oil spill from a pipeline leak 46 nautical miles off Ciudad del Carmen will not reach the Campeche coast as repair and containment efforts continue.

  4. 15 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 68 sources
    Pemex pipeline leak triggers emergency response in Gulf of Mexico

    Pemex is working to repair a pipeline leak in the Gulf of Mexico near Campeche. The Mexican Navy has deployed personnel and vessels to contain the spill, which is currently moving west away from the coast.

Sources

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This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history