Senior Reporter
otto.carrington@guardian.co.tt
Thousands of barrels of what is believed to be used engine oil have been discovered illegally dumped in the hull of an abandoned longliner ship in an area known as the “Graveyard” off Chaguaramas
The Graveyard is infamous for being a parking zone for abandoned sea vessels.
The discovery was made by Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), whose corporate secretary, Gary Aboud, says the oil is now leaking into the sea, threatening nearby islands, fishing grounds and vessels in the Gulf of Paria.
The discovery has triggered an investigation by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the T&T Coast Guard, who were on site yesterday conducting fuel sampling and forensic testing to trace the origin of the oil.
The operation was led by IMA principal research officer Dr Daryl Banjoo and director Dr Ava Maxam.
The vessel, a derelict fishing longliner, was found holding up to 12 feet of thick, black oil in its front storage compartment, a section normally used to store ice and catch.
Aboud said the oil is refined automotive oil, not crude oil, indicating a likely illegal dump from service or commercial vessels. He estimated that more than 2,000 barrels (nearly 84,000 gallons) of used engine oil had been illegally dumped into the hull.
“This is environmental terrorism for profit,” Aboud said during a site visit yesterday.
“Somebody is deliberately using this derelict vessel to avoid proper disposal fees. This is used engine oil, clearly pumped into this hull. There’s no way this much ended up here by mistake.”
He showed the media how the oil sits visibly below deck, measuring up to 12 feet deep, and pointed out hose markings and overflow stains around the vessel.
“You can see exactly where they’re pumping it in. This is calculated, criminal, and it’s poisoning our sea,” he explained.
Aboud further alleged that one of the barges believed to be involved is owned by a well-known corporate figure.
“You can make a lot of money doing the wrong thing, and that’s what’s happening here,” he said.
Aboud said the vessel involved got wind of the authorities coming and left. He engaged the IMA team telling them he knew who the culprits were.
Fishermen said the area was once one of the richest fishing grounds off Trinidad’s west coast.
“You don’t see redfish. We used to catch 10 million footballers (a type of fish) on a Sunday here. Now, nothing lives,” one fisherman lamented.
Aboud said even one drop of oil can devastate marine ecosystems.
“We have studies showing high hydrocarbon levels in fish. This oil is carcinogenic it can kill you if it gets on your skin, and we’re eating fish from these waters.”
Aboud called on the Government to urgently review maritime laws.
“The current legislation does not empower the Government to prosecute these operators effectively. All we can do is expose and shame them and we will.”
He urged agencies to work together in the national interest.
“The election is over. Let’s come together to protect the environment, the fishermen, and our future.”