At least 1,200 barrels of crude oil spilled on a tourist beach in northwestern Ecuador due to a leak at an oil terminal, the government announced on Thursday.
Oil spill in Ecuador: Over 1,200 barrels spilled on Esmeraldas beach
At least “1,200 barrels of light crude (spilled) over four linear kilometers from the point where the Balao terminal of the state-owned Petroecuador is located”, Environment Minister José Antonio Davalos told Ecuavisa television.
The leak occurred at around 04:30 local time (09:30 GMT) on Wednesday. By Thursday, almost the entire beach had been cleaned. Floating booms were installed to contain the crude oil that spilled into the sea. Images released by the armed forces show a long oil slick partially covering this beach in the province of Esmeraldas.
“Many crabs, fish and most probably birds have been affected,” lamented the Environment Minister, adding that the oil company would have to compensate fishermen affected by the pollution.
By decision of the town of Esmeraldas, the beach was closed to ensure the safety of visitors. The spill, which was brought under control, was caused “by the overflow of a tank”, explained Rafael Armendariz, Petroecuador’s Transport Director, at a press conference.
The oil company Petroecuador has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the leak. “We are not ruling out any hypothesis, be it mechanical failure, an operational problem, negligence or even sabotage,” said Ramon Correa, General Manager of Petroecuador.
