Distressed Vessel in Abaco Cause for Concern

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A distressed vessel in the Abacos creating stirring up concern in waters off South Abaco, spilling heavy fuel oil and corrosive chemicals into the Atlantic.

M/V Onego Traveller is in distress around hole in the Wall, South Abaco, and the vessel started taking on water.

Adverse weather conditions hampered attempts to tow the vessel to a nearby sand bank to remove fuel and conduct repairs.

Local environmentalist, Joe Darville says this incident adds to the number of catastrophic incidents in recent times.

Darville shared this recommendation for the government.

The National Oil Spill Contingency Advisory Committee determined that Ferix, a slightly corrosive chemical used for water treatment and fertilizer and heavy fuel oil was observed on the water surface.

It was also determined that the vessel is in relatively shallow water, causing no extensive external pressure on the holding tanks containing fuel.

Ocean booms were deployed and divers have been sent to seal leaking fuel vents on the vessel.

A skimmer boat has also been sent to the site.