A barge carrying approximately 8,000 barrels of waste oil was observed listing significantly at a private wharf on the East Bank of Demerara, prompting a coordinated response from Guyana’s emergency, maritime and environmental authorities amid concerns over a potential oil spill.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it activated a multi-agency response after the risk was identified, with teams mobilised to assess the vessel, support its safe stabilisation and reduce the possibility of oil escaping into the surrounding environment.
No spill has been confirmed, but the presence of thousands of barrels of waste oil aboard a listing vessel has triggered precautionary measures, including the positioning of containment and response resources in case the situation deteriorates.
The response involves the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, alongside the CDC.
Authorities are concentrating on stabilising the barge and monitoring its condition, while maintaining readiness to respond should a spill occur.
The CDC said the situation remains stable and is under continuous monitoring. It has assured the public that precautions are being taken to protect nearby communities, public safety and the environment.
However, the commission has not confirmed whether any waste oil has escaped, identified the substance’s composition beyond its description as waste oil, or provided details on the cause of the vessel’s listing.
The incident places renewed attention on the risks associated with storing and handling large volumes of oil-related waste, particularly where a vessel’s condition raises the possibility of an environmental emergency.
For now, the immediate priority is to stabilise the barge and prevent a potential spill. The effectiveness of those measures will be critical in determining whether the incident remains a near miss or develops into an environmental emergency.
The CDC said it would continue working with its partner agencies to safeguard lives and protect the environment.
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