Tobago oil spill reaches Bonaire, threatening mangrove and coral ecosystems

KRALENDIJK (Reuters) — The Caribbean island of Bonaire said that oil from a spill near neighboring Tobago had reached its shores, posing a “serious threat to both humans and nature”, and that emergency services had been mobilized.

Parts of Bonaire’s east coast, including Sorobon, Lac and Lagun, have been contaminated with oil and vulnerable mangrove, fish and coral ecosystems are at risk, the government said in a statement on Monday.

Social media posts by residents and a radio station showed pictures of oil-stained sand, reefs and birds at some beaches.

“The emergency services are now committed to a rapid and effective cleanup of the oil slicks,” the statement said.