In Peru, an oil spill threatens flora and fauna

Posted today at 9:36 a.m., updated at 10:12 a.m.

In images, in picturesPrime Minister Mirtha Vasquez on Thursday banned the ship responsible for the oil spill caused by the volcanic eruption in the Tonga Islands from setting sail unless it pays $38 million.

The ship involved in the spill of 6,000 barrels of crude on the coast of Peru, an accident attributed to the swell caused by the volcanic eruption in Tonga, has been prohibited from sailing, announced Thursday, January 21, the Prime Minister , Mirtha Vasquez.

The damage caused by the oil spill, in Ventanilla, Peru, on January 19, 2022. ANGELA PONCE / REUTERS

If he wants to leave the port, the Mare-Dorium, which sails under the Italian flag, will have to pay 150 million soles (regarding 38 million dollars), added M^me Vasquez, specifying that the company had to provide a guarantee.

The oil-polluted Cavero beach in Ventanilla, Peru on January 18, 2022. MARTIN MEJIA / AP

According to the Peruvian navy, the ship is anchored in the bay of the port of Callao, near Lima, until investigations are completed. The oil spill occurred on Saturday at the La Pampilla refinery in Ventanilla, in the Lima region.

On Cavero beach in Ventanilla, Peru on January 18, 2022 MARTIN MEJIA / AP

In Ventanilla, Peru, on January 19, 2022. PILAR OLIVARES / REUTERS

According to the company, owned by the Spanish group Repsol, the accident took place during the process of unloading crude oil from a tanker due to the violent swells on Saturday off the Peruvian coast, linked to the tsunami caused by the eruption. volcano in Tonga.

Workers clean the beaches, in Ventanilla, Peru, January 19, 2022. ANGELA PONCE / REUTERS

On Tuesday, Peruvian Environment Minister Ruben Ramirez estimated the amount of oil spilled at 6,000 barrels.

The Peruvian government on Wednesday demanded compensation from Repsol as the oil spill affected more than 174 hectares – the equivalent of 270 football fields – on the coast and 118 hectares at sea, according to authorities.

Workers rest during an oil spill cleanup operation in Ventanilla, Peru, January 19, 2022. ANGELA PONCE / REUTERS

In addition to regarding twenty polluted beaches, according to the Ministry of the Environment, “This terrible situation endangers the flora and fauna of two protected natural areas”, the Guano Islands, Islets and Points National Reserve System and the Ancon Protected Area.

Cleaning crews on Ancon beach, north of Lima, January 20, 2022. CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP

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Refinery workers worked all day Wednesday to clean up Cavero Beach, one of the hardest hit by pollution. “With the right equipment and working the right way, the cleanup might last at least two years”, warned the Peruvian environmental specialist, Marino Morikawa.