A devastating oil spill off the coast of Mexico’s Tabasco state has left a black stain on the Gulf of Mexico for at least seven kilometers, affecting fishing communities in the region. The leak occurred due to two ruptures in an old pipeline operated by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), according to reports.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced during a press conference that the spill was caused by a ruptured pipeline from the 1970s, but assured that repair work is underway and support will be provided to local fishermen. When asked about the extent of the damage, she stated that an estimated 300 barrels had spilled into the ocean.
Locals in the affected areas have reported “total loss” for fishermen, as well as damage to their boats and equipment. They claimed that they noticed a strong oil smell since Tuesday, with the most affected areas being Playa del Sol, Cocalito, and Bruja.
Pemex has acknowledged the incident, stating that cleanup efforts are underway and measures have been taken to prevent further damage. The state-owned oil company has also reached out to fishing communities to establish preventive measures for resuming their activities as soon as possible.
However, concerns remain about the impact of the spill on the local ecosystem and the potential long-term effects on fishing communities. Mexican authorities have notified Pemex of its obligations to report the magnitude of the incident, causes, and measures to remedy the situation within a timeframe of 5-7 days.
As reported by CNN, ASEA (Agency for Safety, Energy, and Environment) has issued a statement emphasizing its role in monitoring hydrocarbon sector facilities and ensuring safe operation with environmental protection. Javier Bonilla, ASEA spokesperson, explained that while they cannot directly intervene in the situation, they can provide guidance to residents on filing public complaints.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Mexico’s oil infrastructure and the impact on local communities. The government and Pemex must work together to address these concerns and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Source: CNN
