About 35,000 gallons of fuel spilled early Wednesday from a vessel delivering diesel to the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas, according to the acting premier.”I am …informed that all government agencies are deployed to mitigate this matter,” said Chester Cooper, who also represents Exuma District in Parliament, adding that the fuel was destined for Bahamas Power and Light.”We’re happy that it’s or appears to be contained,” he said.
Exuma is known for its white sand beaches and crystal blue water, as well as beaches where tourists can swim with pigs.Bahamas-based Sun Oil said in a statement that crew members aboard the vessel, called MT Arabian, discovered the leak at 4:00 a.m. while unloading fuel, adding that the crew later deployed absorbent pads and protective buoys.”Fuel recovery procedures are ongoing, led by the owners of MT Arabian,” Sun Oil said, adding that its management team had traveled to Exuma to help respond to the situation.