Authorities have mobilised to prevent a potential oil spill after a barge carrying about 8,000 barrels of waste oil was listing at a private wharf on the East Bank of Demerara.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it is working with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard to stabilise the vessel and reduce the risk of environmental impact.

The vessel was listing significantly while berthed, and the agencies mobilised immediately as a precaution.

No oil spill has been confirmed, the CDC said. Containment and response resources have been positioned for a swift response should one occur.
The situation is stable and under continuous monitoring, according to the CDC.