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The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) has reported that pursuant to proceedings filed by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the Republic of Angola the tug Solo Creed has been ordered by the Court to be arrested to secure the claim of Trinidad and Tobago.
The tug Solo Creed is responsible for substantial damage to livelihood of persons and the environment of Tobago caused by the oil spill in February 2024 during the towing operations of a barge by the Solo Creed.
The arrest proceedings were filed in Angola after a relentless pursuit of the Solo Creed by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs with the assistance and support of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Maritime Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The Arrest was ordered by the Court to allow the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to protect the fruits of its claim to recover a sum in excess of $244,000,000.00. This sum is a preliminary figure at this stage since the full costs of this spill continues to be tabulated.
The Tug Solo Creed was ordered to be arrested in Luanda, Angola and consequently will not be allowed to leave that jurisdiction unless security is lodged to secure the interest of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. That security will provide protection towards satisfying the claim and compensate for the damage resulting from the oil spill off Tobago during the towing operations of the barge in February.
The Government will continue to pursue all legal proceedings in Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere to ensure that the rights and interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago are protected and vindicated. We will take all steps to hold the owners and or persons interested in the vessel accountable for the extensive damage caused to the livelihood of the people and environment of Tobago.
Additionally, MEEI continues the pursuit of the recovery of the sums of money expended during the cleanup exercise from the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund.