Oil Spill From Three Sources Affects Gulf of Mexico Coasts in Veracruz, Tabasco, and Tamaulipas

Veracruz, Mexico — The Mexican Navy reported that an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico originates from three separate sources, affecting coastlines in Veracruz and Tabasco, with impacts also reaching Tamaulipas.

Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales detailed that one cause is the dumping from a vessel in the anchorage area of Coatzacoalcos, though authorities have not yet identified the responsible party.

Another source involves natural seepages near the port, while the most active source is located in the Cantarell area of the Campeche Sound, where the highest flow of contaminants has been detected.

Authorities, alongside Pemex, the state oil company, have deployed marine barriers and are conducting inspections using underwater drones and divers to rule out failures at oil platforms.

Ocean currents dispersed the hydrocarbons to various beaches, but the Navy assured that major tourist destinations remain clean ahead of the Easter holiday period.

Cleanup crews have so far collected 430 tons of waste and cleaned 223 kilometers of coastline, with operations continuing to contain and mitigate the environmental impact.