Gulf of Mexico oil spill spread hundreds of miles, killed wildlife and polluted Mexican reserves
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in early March spread over 600 kilometers, affecting seven nature reserves along the coasts of Veracruz and Tabasco, with sources identified as an unidentified vessel and two natural oil seepages.
- Mexican Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales confirmed the spill remains active, with one major source being natural seeps in Cantarell, Bay of Campeche, and noted that 430 tons of hydrocarbons have been collected so far.
- Despite contamination of six species including sea turtles, birds, and fish, Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena stated no severe environmental damage has been detected.
- The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas reported hydrocarbons in multiple protected reserves and ongoing cleanup efforts, while the conservation group Oceana highlighted reported deaths of marine wildlife and damage to 17 reefs.
- Authorities continue to investigate and inspect vessels in the area, with 13 ships yet to be inspected to identify the responsible vessel for the spill.
