The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries has advised that efforts to re-float the overturned vessel off the Coast of Cove, Tobago have been delayed due to adverse weather alerts and threats of Tropical Storm Ernesto which have resulted in rough seas and widespread thunderstorms and showers of varying intensities across Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the Ministry, the re-float and tow phase of operations was targeted to be executed between the period 5th August, 2024 to 10th August, 2024. However, due to rough seas influenced by three consecutive weather events over the planned period, the operations to re-float and tow were suspended as the safety of all personnel remain paramount and there was a risk of damaging sensitive equipment.

The next window to execute this critical operation would be based on the advice of the international experts who are retained to manage this part of the process.

Until the re-float and tow operations commence, the vessel remains in an overturned state, unmoved from its grounded location off the Coast of Cove, Tobago. Prior to the re-float and tow phase, the technical staff at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries along with its international partner T&T Salvage were focused on carrying out works relative to the de-inventory phase of operations which commenced on 13th April, 2024. That de-inventory phase was completed with approximately 32,303 barrels of hydrocarbons being successfully pumped from the barge.

The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries is leading and managing the operations off the Coast of Cove, Tobago and as such remains the credible source of information regarding the overturned vessel. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries continues to have real-time and open dialogue with all respective agencies on the progress of operations.

The safety of all personnel remains paramount as the prevailing weather conditions of the wet season and hurricane season persist.