Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Ship Spills 30,000 Gallons Of Fuel Off The Bahamas’ Great Exuma Island

July 22, 2022
Great Exuma Island

A ship carrying diesel spilled about 30,000 gallons of fuel off the Bahamas’ Great Exuma Island early Wednesday, according to the country’s acting prime minister.

“I am … advised that all of the agencies of government are deployed to mitigate the matter,” said Chester Cooper, who also represents the district of Exuma in parliament, adding that the fuel was destined for Bahamas Power and Light.

“We are happy that it is contained or appears to be contained,” he said.

Exuma is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as a beach where tourists can swim with pigs.

Bahamas-based Sun Oil said in a statement that crew members on board a vessel called the MT Arabian discovered a leak at 4:00 a.m. while discharging the fuel, adding that the crew later deployed absorbent pads and containment buoys.

“Fuel recovery procedures remain ongoing, led by owners of the MT Arabian,” Sun Oil said, adding that its management team had traveled to Exuma to help respond to the situation.