Port Authority Investigates Oil Leak Near Placencia

In response to videos circulating on Wednesday by concerned citizens, the Port Authority has investigated a reported oil leak that occurred in the sea near Placencia. News Five spoke with Port Commissioner, Major Gilbert Swazo, who said that luckily the leak did not cause significant damage to marine life. However, action will be taken against the vessel.

Major Gilbert Swaso

Major Gilbert Swaso, Commissioner, Belize Port Authority

“It turned out that there is a landing barge named Lowen’s Barge. It is registered by the Belize Port Authority and then we found out that the exhaust soot was coming out the exhaust of the port engine. Immediately, what we did was ensure that the vessel got into harbour safely and then we ended up giving that vessel what is known to be a prohibition for sailing. It is, as I said, an exhaust and there seemed to be a problem with the port engine. A similar event had occurred two months ago where this same vessel was given the prohibition for sailing and we then ascertained and went back to inspect and at that time it seems that the engine trouble was remedied. But seemingly, again, the same engine, the same vessel almost two months one day after.”