Bahamas hoping SUNKEN oil tanker has not caused DAMAGE to ENVIRONMENT

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, December 31, 2021 – An oil tanker sank off the coast of the Bahamas after being struck by a luxury yacht. Bahamian officials say the Port Department is investigating, and the Environmental Health Department is assessing the impact on the environment.

On Friday, the 160-foot oil tanker, the Tropical Breeze managed by Maritime Management LLC, was hit by the Utopia IV superyacht, which is around 207 feet. A statement from the government said, “A collision between the yacht Utopia IV and the gas tanker tropical breeze resulted in damage to both vessels and injuries to several crewmembers.”

Maritime Management said the tanker could not be salvaged safely because of the depth to which it had sunk. They did say however that the oil tanker was carrying gases like marine gas and automotive diesel, which were lighter than water and “would evaporate if exposed to surface air.”

It was also explained that, “In keeping with the mandate of the DEPP, recommendations will be made to provide for, and ensure, the integrated protection of the environment of The Bahamas. We are particularly concerned about the state of the environment 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.”