A devastating Trinidad and Tobago oil spill originating from a capsized vessel has now reached the shores of the Caribbean island of Bonaire, posing a grave threat to both humans and the environment, according to Devdiscourse.

Emergency services are mobilizing to address the contamination that endangers vulnerable ecosystems, including mangroves, fish, and coral reefs.

Local media reports indicate that the oil spill was first detected by Trinidad and Tobago's Coast Guard on February 7.

However, authorities have noted that the spill continues, with oil persistently leaking into the surrounding waters.

The affected area includes Lac Bay, a mangrove-rich region in Bonaire, raising concerns about the potential long-term ecological consequences.

Bonaire's government has declared the situation a serious threat and activated emergency services to combat the spill's effects.

Specific areas on Bonaire's east coast, such as Sorobon, Lac, and Lagun, have already been contaminated, as observed in pictures shared on social media and by local radio stations.

The government emphasizes the urgent need for a rapid and effective cleanup to mitigate further damage.

READ NEXT: Trinidad and Tobago Under National Emergency 

Caribbean Nations Unite for Response

Recognizing the severity of the situation, several Caribbean nations have reached out to Trinidad and Tobago, seeking coordination in response efforts, Reuters noted.

Trinidad and Tobago, grappling with the spill, has declared a national emergency, deploying resources to contain and manage the ongoing environmental crisis.

Aruba, in anticipation of potential spillage near its shores, has divided its territory into sections for comprehensive monitoring.

The Crisis Management Office (CMO) in Aruba is prepared to activate a 60-person team of first responders and implement a cleanup plan as soon as oil slicks become visible.

The government emphasizes protecting turtle nesting sites and tourist beaches as part of its response strategy.

This recent oil spill brings back memories of a similar incident seven years ago when oil from Trinidad affected multiple Caribbean nations.

The current situation presents additional challenges as the owner and operator of the capsized barge remain unidentified, making resolution more complicated.

Aruba stands ready to assist Bonaire with cleanup efforts, emphasizing the need for human resources in the crucial initial phase.

Grenada, located closest to Trinidad and Tobago, has also reported the detection of oil in its territorial waters, further amplifying the regional impact of the spill.

Trinidad's government, acknowledging the severity of the incident, has completed a survey to identify hazards and debris, facilitating the safe deployment of support vessels to address the capsized barge.

National Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister declared a national emergency on February 11, underlining the seriousness of the situation, Loop reports.

Despite efforts by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management to contain the spill, oil leakage from the capsized barge continues.

Satellite images from the Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center suggest that the oil slick has spread into the marine area of Grenada, heightening concerns for the broader Caribbean region.

The vessel remains lodged on a reef about 150 meters off Tobago's southern coast.

The ownership of the barge and the factors contributing to its sinking remain unclear, adding complexity to ongoing investigations. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard reported that the vessel was en route from Panama to Guyana at the time of the incident.

As the environmental crisis unfolds, Bonaire faces the urgent task of safeguarding its pristine ecosystems and tourism-dependent economy.

The collaborative efforts of Caribbean nations, combined with swift and effective cleanup measures, will be crucial in mitigating the far-reaching consequences of this unfortunate Trinidad and Tobago oil spill.

The situation will continue to evolve, with ongoing updates anticipated in the coming days.

READ MORE: Haiti: Benin Offers 2,000 Troops To Fight Gangs 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mystery shipwreck causes disastrous oil spill off Trinidad and Tobago - From Al Jazeera English