Gulfstream Oil Tanker Refloated After Spill

Trinidad and Tobago authorities have successfully refloated the Gulfstream tanker, which capsized in February, causing a significant oil spill of approximately 50,000 barrels. The incident, one of the nation's worst environmental disasters, resulted in oil slicks spreading hundreds of kilometers, impacting the southwestern shoreline of Tobago and reaching as far as Bonaire and Aruba. Despite extensive investigations, the government has not yet identified those responsible for the vessel or the tugboat, Solo Creed, which was towing it and subsequently went missing. Environmental damage prompted a national emergency declaration, with the government estimating cleanup costs could reach $30 million. A dive team is now assessing the Gulfstream before it is towed to Port of Spain for further examination. The refloating operation took place just before the Carnival celebrations, intensifying the urgency for accountability and remediation efforts.