Neely-Murphy: Diesel 95% Removed in Exuma

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The diesel spill near Georgetown, Exuma is now considered 95 percent removed, according to Director of the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP).

Here is the latest look at the site of the oil spill.

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Addressing the weekly briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy explains fuel is still being actively removed from the area, along with sand, where diesel was detected.

“The beach is looking closer to normal than it did on Wednesday,” she says.

Meanwhile, the beach will remain closed until August 10th, at which time officials will conduct another assessment to determine the status of the beach.

Government is currently seeking legal counsel from the office of the Attorney General in regard to pursuing damages for the fuel spill. Neely-Murphy was unable to say how much government will be seeking in damages, but noted that at this point, there are no “arrestable charges.”

“If you are refueling, at any point in time, accidents can happen,” Neely-Murphy added.

“This is why we have an oil spill plan… as long as you are using fossil fuel, there is an opportunity for accidents to happen.”

This is a developing story.