On Good Morning Tobago: what the tracking data says about the oil spill

Kandace Jackson asked how a vessel could reach Tobago's coast without anyone knowing what it was. The discussion that followed covered five points.

**Tracking.** Satellite and transponder data show the tug's AIS was switched off for an extended period in Venezuelan waters after a reported stop at Aruba, before the barge capsized off Tobago.

**Cargo and destination.** The evidence pointed to heavy fuel oil, a refined product. The data Robinson had seen suggested a course toward St Vincent and the Grenadines rather than the stated destination, while noting that a dark vessel's destination cannot be confirmed.

**Identity.** Robinson challenged the Ministry of Energy's emphasis on the number of vessels sharing the name, pointing out that registered vessels carry unique numbers. The tug had been reported under more than one name, a practice that can accompany changes of ownership or be used to obscure operations.

**Response.** He said the spill should have been escalated to Tier 3 from the first day to secure international help, commended the Tobagonians carrying out the clean-up, and called for compensation for fisherfolk without their having to ask for it.

**Venezuela.** He argued that the vessel's suspected origin, and the record of sanctions and charges against senior Venezuelan officials in the oil sector, called for vigilance in Trinidad and Tobago's dealings with Caracas.