NASSAU BAHAMAS – Yesterday, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources announced that an assessment of the environment and any possible environmental impact resulting in the recent collision of a boat and a tanker will be made.
It was also stated that every avenue is being explored in order to ensure that the marine environment remains intact.
We are exploring all avenues to ensure that the marine environment is protected and not compromised.
– The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources
Yesterday, the ministry released a statement stating that itInformation received on the collision of the yacht Utopia VI with the gas tanker Tropicbreeze on December 24, 2021.
According to the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection will participate in the reconnaissance operation by the Ministry of Transport and Housing. This reconnaissance operation will assess the environmental state and determine the extent of any potential environmental impacts.
“Follow-up assessments will be conducted as necessary and reports will be made to the relevant agencies.
The ministry said that, in line with the DEPP mandate, recommendations will be made to ensure the integrated protection and preservation of The Bahamas’ natural environment. We are especially concerned about the environmental conditions surrounding the collision site.
“After the assessment, and based on the finding, the standard operating procedures will be deployed.
“Every avenue is being explored to make certain our marine environment has not been damaged or compromised.
In a recent interview, Eyewitness NewsJoe Darville, Save the Bays Chairman, urged the government to treat the collision of a gas tanker and sinking in waters north-northwest from New Providence last week as a catastrophic event.
Darville also warned against the government from a repeat of the Equinor Oil oil spillage on Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian.