SOLO CREED

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Vessel owners still not found

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago continues to seek the identity of the owners of the ‘Solo Creed’ , one of the vessels responsible for the oil spill disaster in Tobago. On Oct 24, Finance Minister Colm Imbert reported to the Senate that the ‘Solo Creed’ had been arrested by officials in Angola. In the Parliament on Nov 18, Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh asked Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley whether the government was able to ascertain the vessel’s owner or anyone associated with it. Rowley noted that unfortunately, the vessels and those associated with it were operating illegally and took several steps to hide their identity, including the falsifying of relevant documents.The Energy Minister Stuart Young would have held a meeting with the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) officials in London two weeks ago to discuss further assistance in identifying those who were responsible for the oil spill. The IOPC was also working with the government to finalise the compensation that’s expected. In order to benefit from the compensation however the government has to show that it took all of the appropriate steps to find the owners.

Tug arrested for oil spill

The 'Solo Creed' has been arrested in Angola on Oct 20, 2024 through the Attorney General’s Office. The arrest of a ship meant its restriction by court order to secure a maritime legal claim and to prevent fleeing to avoid penalties. On Febr 7, the tug was towing the barge 'Gulfstream' when the latter reportedly overturned on a reef and then began to leak bunker oil in the waters off Cove, Tobago. The oil contaminated part of Tobago’s coast and also reached Grenada and Bonaire, spilling 51,000 barrels of oil, with the Government donating $50 million towards clean-up out of $134 million sought by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Trinidad & Tobago has filed a preliminary claim for $244 million to pay clean-up and damage costs, while the Finance Ministry has hinted that the amount could be higher. The tug’s value is estimated to be far less than the claim. Authorities are still working to find out the tug’s current ownership so that they can take legal action against those responsible for the environmental damage.