• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Ship Carrying Diesel Sinks Near Ecologically Sensitive Galapagos

Home> News

Published 16:56 24 Apr 2022 GMT+1

Ship Carrying Diesel Sinks Near Ecologically Sensitive Galapagos

Containment booms and dispersant were used after the sinking of the Albatroz scuba boat

Cameron Frew

Cameron Frew

A boat carrying 47 barrels of fuel sank off of one of Ecuador's ecologically sensitive Galapagos Islands, local officials have said.

The scuba diving vessel was carrying diesel at the time of its sinking yesterday, 23 April, leaving a 'superficial' slick on the water, according to the environment ministry.

As detailed by state-run oil company Petroecuador, the boat went down off the island of Santa Cruz, but it's not been revealed exactly how much fuel was spilled as a result.

Galapagos National Park also confirmed the sinking, as well as the vessel's name: the Albatroz. Fortunately, all four crew members on the boat are safe after the incident, and the damage doesn't appear to be anything major.

The islands are a protected natural heritage site, home to giant tortoises and other incredible sea life.

Advert

Industrial fishing is prohibited in the Galapagos marine reserve, with an estimated 2,900 marine species estimated to live within the archipelago, if not far more.

In response to the spill, tourism activities around the city of Puerto Ayora were suspended and containment booms were set up to limit the spread of the fuel wherever possible.

Biodegradable dispersant was also used against the spill, as well as cloth towels in a bid to absorb the oil out of the water.

Advert

As per Reuters, Galapagos National Park Surrogate Director Jenifer Suarez said: "After evaluating the fuel dispersion in the Academia Bay area, we have proceeded to temporarily close all the visitor sites of the National Park, such as the Playa de la Estacion and La Ratonera beaches."

Earlier this year, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was expanded by 60,000sqkm, making the entire area a whopping 198,000sqkm.

A Galapagos penguin.
Alamy

It was created back in 1998, specially designed to be one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet.

Advert

Michael Weisberg, Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, earlier said (as per Phys.Org): "These are places that are unique in the world and we're losing them because of climate change and overfishing.

"And it's easy to say that we prioritise these things, but to actually try to do it shows real leadership."

Ivonne Baki, Ecuador's Ambassador to the US, also said: "It's historic what we have done in Galapagos," especially given the 2000 oil spill which threatened marine life across the area.

Baki hopes to see other countries like Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica join the reserve. "So, if other countries join, like Mexico, Peru, and Chile, we can expand it more and it'll be a protected area of the whole Pacific," she said.

Advert

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]  

Featured Image Credit: Credit: Parque Nacional Galapagos

Topics: World News

Cameron Frew
Cameron Frew

Entertainment Editor at UNILAD. 2001: A Space Odyssey is the best film ever made, and Warrior is better than Rocky. That's all you need to know.

X

@frewfilm

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 4 hours ago

    Major update in case of baby discovered abandoned on random lawn before family members found dead in nearby town

    Four people who were related to an abandoned baby were found dead last week

    News
  • 4 hours ago

    Calvin Harris slammed by fans after he posts extremely graphic photos following birth of baby

    Calvin Harris didn't get shy about sharing all the gory details

    Celebrity
  • 5 hours ago

    Liam Neeson reveals he will ‘never work with’ actors who have this ‘disturbing’ on-set habit

    Liam Neeson has revealed the type of actors he doesn't particularly want to work with

    Film & TV
  • 6 hours ago

    Man with AI girlfriend admits he would be ‘devastated’ if he lost his chatbot and issues dire warning for future of dating

    A British man has opened up about his relationship with his AI chatbot

    News
  • Cruise ship expert reveals three major mistakes US tourists make when visiting Europe
  • New poll reveals exactly what America think of Trump as approval rating sinks to new low
  • Relentless orca 'attack' sinks yacht in just 45 minutes
  • Seven dead after helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims crashes in India