Trinidad seeks foreign aid to cap spewing well

Trinidad and Tobago’s energy ministry is seeking foreign assistance to stem hydrocarbons spewing from a well in the Gulf of Paria, local media reported over the weekend.

Located near the Couva oil platform about 8 kilometres off Orange Valley, Carapichaima, the well has been ejecting hydrocarbons into the gulf since Thursday.

“The EMA [Environmental Management Authority] is aware of this and we are part of the team that is monitoring the progress of the well. We are attending all the sessions and we are there on a first-hand basis to see what can be done,” agency chairman Nadra Nathai-Gyan said.

“It is a difficult situation and the ministry has asked for international help. A meeting was held yesterday and a report is expected as they try to bring the situation under control,” he told the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian on Sunday.

The Ministry of Works and Transport also imposed an 8-kilometre demarcation zone around the well on Monday.