An estimated 2500 litres of MDO fuel (marine diesel oil) have ended up in the waters of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands after a tanker barge capsized and soon sank on Sunday, December 22.
According to local news media, the accident started when a crane collapsed on the unnamed vessel while loading operations were ongoing off San Cristobal Island. The collapse caused the ship to overturn and subsequently sink. The crew managed to jump overboard after the ship tilted heavily. At least one person sustained injuries.
The pollution response teams of Galapagos National Park and Ecuadorian Navy deployed containment barriers and other equipment at the site. Local officials said the leaked oil had been brought under control and there was no risk that it would spread to the outlying areas.