Massive Oil Spill Seen Near Site Of Pemex Natural Gas Platform Explosion In Gulf Of Mexico

Satellite images have unveiled a significant oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which originated on July 4, three days before a tragic explosion that claimed the lives of two workers at a Pemex gas production platform. The oil spill has now engulfed an area of approximately 400 square kilometres (154 square miles), sparking concerns over the environmental impact and Pemex’s safety protocols.

Mexican non-governmental organizations, including Greenpeace, have sounded the alarm about the spillage, emphasizing the urgent need for a transparent and effective response.

They highlighted that the spill’s magnitude exceeds twice the size of Guadalajara, raising fears about its long-lasting consequences on marine life and coastal communities. The lack of transparency in addressing the spill has deeply troubled the NGOs calling for immediate action.

Responding to the situation, Pemex acknowledged the existence of a leak but downplayed the volume of hydrocarbons released, claiming it was minimal. The company promptly reported the spill to the government and Navy for necessary repairs. Pemex also disputed the NGOs’ assertions, stating that most of the spilt volume had successfully recovered, contradicting concerns about the extent of the spill.

The alarming incident adds to Pemex’s growing list of accidents and safety concerns. In February, two fires erupted at facilities in Veracruz, resulting in severe burn injuries for twelve workers. Just last year, an explosion on a Pemex platform during maintenance activities tragically claimed multiple lives.

A fire and gas leak from an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico also created an astonishing “eye of fire” phenomenon on the sea surface, fortunately without any reported casualties. Previous incidents in 2015 and 2016 also saw fires on offshore installations, leading to multiple fatalities in each occurrence.

These repeated incidents have raised questions about Pemex’s safety record and ability to prevent and effectively respond to such emergencies. With the company already burdened by substantial debt, concerns are mounting regarding its operations, safety protocols, and the potential long-term consequences of the recent oil spill on the delicate marine ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.

The need for a transparent investigation, comprehensive preventive measures, and enhanced safety standards within Pemex are more pressing than ever.

Reference: Lemonde, World Oil

Massive Oil Spill Seen Near Site Of Pemex Natural Gas Platform Explosion In Gulf Of Mexico appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News