8,000-barrel waste oil barge listing at East Bank wharf sparks spill fears

(Kaieteur News) – The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in collaboration with several government agencies, has activated a coordinated response after a barge carrying approximately 8,000 barrels of waste oil was observed listing significantly at a private wharf on the East Bank of Demerara, raising concerns about a potential oil spill.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CDC said the vessel’s condition prompted the immediate mobilisation of relevant authorities to assess the situation and implement measures to mitigate the risk.

The response involves the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. According to the CDC, efforts are currently focused on safely stabilising the vessel and reducing the likelihood of any environmental damage.