Pipeline Leakage Near Pemex Platform Caused Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill, Investigation Reveals

An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which spread to over 600 km, killing wildlife, polluting beaches and affecting 7 protected natural reserves across Veracruz and Tabasco, was caused by a leak near the Abkatun field operated by the state energy company Pemex.

Pemex Chief Executive Officer Víctor Rodríguez claimed that senior management was not informed of the leak and assured that many people would be removed from their posts for failing to do their jobs properly.

He added that 3 company officials had already lost their jobs after the incident, which began in February.

The crude oil spill washed up on the shores in March.

Over the past few weeks, officials have investigated to determine the cause of the oil spill.

Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales said satellite imagery and inspections identified 3 potential sources.

First was a ship anchored off Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz, second was a geological seepage site known as a “chapopotera”, and lastly a natural seepage in the Bay of Campeche.

He added that the vessel has not yet been identified, as 13 ships in the area had not been inspected at the time of the spill.

Around 430 tonnes of hydrocarbons have been recovered so far, the authorities revealed.

Environmental agencies said 6 species, including sea turtles, birds and fish, were contaminated; however, damage has not been reported at a massive scale.

Cleanup operations were carried out across protected sites, including the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz Reef System National Park, and the Centla Wetlands Biosphere Reserve.