After days of silence, Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) has finally acknowledged an oil spill from its Akal-C platform to Dos Bocas in the neighboring state of Tabasco. The incident has left a trail of destruction along at least 16 kilometers of coastline in Tabasco.
Local residents and fishermen had been warning of environmental damage caused by oil spills from oil complexes located in the Campeche Sound and the Tabasco Coast for several days before PEMEX’s admission. According to an informational bulletin, the state-owned company has addressed two leaks in a pipeline that transports oil from the Akal-C platform to the Dos Bocas Maritime Terminal.
The investigation revealed that part of the spilled oil reached the coast over a seven-kilometer stretch and was detected during a mapping survey. PEMEX stated that metal clamps have been installed to repair the leaks, and a leak-tightness check is being prepared for its return to operation.
Specialized personnel are reportedly carrying out cleanup work, although the company has not provided clear information on the follow-up, environmental impact, or consequences for production at the Cantarell Asset. Despite PEMEX claims of initiating dialogue with fishing communities, the magnitude of the spill remains evident and its effects will persist on the seabed.
The incident was reported to the Safety, Energy, and Environment Agency (ASEA) of Semarnat, with the goal of implementing actions to repair the damage. However, local residents remain skeptical, citing the severity of the contamination.
Since May 6, the presence of hydrocarbons along at least 16 kilometers of coastline has forced the Paraíso City Council to raise a black flag and close beaches such as Playa Sol and Brisas del Paraíso. The contamination also reached the Mecoacán lagoon, seriously affecting the fishing sector and the gastronomic corridor.
Restaurant owners in El Bellote and Torno Largo have reported total losses due to distrust regarding the consumption of contaminated seafood. Local fishermen report that the sea is covered in tar and oil, with dead fish and missing oyster larvae.
The people of Paraíso demand answers, concrete actions, and environmental justice for the irreparable damage caused by the oil spill. The incident has raised concerns about PEMEX’s maintenance practices at offshore facilities and its ability to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source: Por Esto
