The Bahamas government has imposed oil pollution prevention measures after the grounding of multipurpose ship.
A video in local media clearly shows a sheen of oil surrounding the 8,900-dwt Antigua and Barbuda-registered Onego Traveller (built 2002), which is now almost entirely submerged.
The vessel was carrying a cargo of steel products from Finland to New Orleans when it began to take on water before grounding off the Hole in the Wall Lighthouse on 29 December, according to local reports.
The National Oil Spill Contingency Advisory Committee said there is no pressure on the fuel tanks and booms are now in place to contain any fuel oil spills.
“The public is being advised that measures are being taken to address the incident, which includes the deployment of ocean booms and efforts to seal leaking fuel vents by divers. A skimmer boat is en route to the site,” the committee said.
It is unclear at the moment whether the Onego Traveller has grounded on coral reef or a sand seabed.
The question is whether it can be quickly refloated, or will require a wreck removal.
