TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Massive oil spill caused by GEBE

Posted on Nature Foundation site. Could not post link but here is the text.

"The Nature Foundation is currently responding to a massive oil spill originating from GEBE in Cay Bay, and extending several nautical miles out towards Simpson Bay. We are calling on GEBE to provide man power, clean-up supplies, and appropriate funds to respond to this crisis. An oil spill of this size is life-threatening to marine life and damaging to vessels.

While we are awaiting a professional clean-up crew and supplies from GEBE, we are also deeply appreciative for community responses at this time. If you would like to help, you can aid our efforts and meet us between Cay Hill and Simpson Bay — every minute counts.

HOW TO HELP CLEAN UP THIS SPILL:

Do you have a vessel, or know someone willing to volunteer their vessel to participate in a clean up? Do you have people willing to help?

You can buy absorbent pads, absorbent booms, or containment buoys from Budget Marine and Island Water World. You will also need a tarp, gloves, a gaff or long stick, and heavy-duty plastic bags in addition to oil-absorbing products. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

Oil-absorbent products are tossed into the water and collect oil within a few minutes. You MUST pick up these products before leaving the scene; they are not bio-degradable and are considered pollutants and litter.

The Marine Park Patrol boat is currently cleaning up between Cay Bay and Simpson Bay. The spill is moving quickly with the wind and is concentrated in particular stretches and patches, so you will need to search for and follow portions of the spill.

Please contact the Nature Foundation in regards to disposal of any pollutants that are collected. Rapid response is essential as environmental factors and causing this to spread further and further. Time is of the essence!"

Seriously? They want people to buy supplies to mop up this spill? No wonder the Netherlands government won’t trust the island government with money. Disgusting.

LINK

Yet another sad joke of how the island is run. Where is the SXM government?

What a sad statement by GEBE "GEBE interim Managing Director Mauricio Dembrook said, “I would like to reassure the general public that N.V. GEBE is doing its best not only to supply a reliable source of electricity and water, but to also operate in a sustainable manner in order to avoid future spills."

And we all see how good GEBE's "BEST" is.

More incompetence, just like with the airport. They should be embarrassed and ashamed in both cases.

Criminal probe.
LINK

Why would there be a criminal investigation?? They are claiming it was deliberate??

The behavior or actions leading up to the spill could be so egregious as to qualify for criminal negligence.

Would be interesting to hear more information.