Mystery ship capsizes off Tobago, triggering massive oil spill and national emergency

PORT OF SPAIN — Emergency workers in Trinidad and Tobago are racing to clean up a massive oil spill after a mystery vessel ran aground near the Caribbean island, casting a pall over Carnival tourism.

The spill was “not under control” as of Sunday, said Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who add that the country grappling with a national emergency.

The mystery vessel capsized Wednesday in waters off the Caribbean island, having made no emergency calls, with no sign of crew, and no clear sign of ownership.

Rowley on Sunday declared a national emergency as oil leaking from the vessel affected nearly 10 miles of coastline.

“Cleaning and restoration can only begin as soon as we have the situation under control. Right now the situation is not under control,” the prime minister told journalists.

Divers have so far been unable to plug the leak.