Coordinated Response Activated After Waste Oil Barge Lists at East Bank Wharf

Kaieteur News reported on October 21, 2026, that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated a coordinated response involving multiple government bodies after a barge transporting roughly 8,000 barrels of waste oil was seen listing considerably at a private wharf located on the East Bank of Demerara, which raised worries about a potential oil spill.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CDC indicated that the vessel's state necessitated the immediate mobilization of pertinent authorities to evaluate the circumstances and enact measures to lessen the risk.

The response effort includes the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. The CDC stated that current efforts are concentrated on safely stabilizing the vessel and decreasing the probability of any environmental harm.

While no oil spill has been confirmed, contingency plans, which include containment and response resources, have been put in place to allow for a rapid reaction should a spill happen. The commission mentioned that the situation is currently stable and is under continuous observation by the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the CDC assured the public that all required precautions are being taken to protect public safety, adjacent communities, and the environment.