PERU – A new environmental disaster has hit the northern coast of Peru, in the district of Lobitos, in the region of Piura. According to Petroperú, last Friday, December 20, the presence of hydrocarbons was detected during the maneuvers prior to the loading of oil on the POLYAIGOS vessel, at the underwater terminal of the Talara Refinery, located 10 kilometers south of Las Capullanas beach.

Although the company assured that it had controlled the situation immediately and suspended operations as a preventive measure, the impact of the spill has already extended to four beaches: Las Capullanas, Lanchón, Palizada, and La Bola, and affects approximately 10,000 cubic meters of the sea in the province of Lobitos, according to the Environmental Assessment and Oversight Agency (OEFA) and the District Municipality of Lobitos. The state-owned company said in a statement that the spill was detected on Saturday morning and that operations were immediately suspended as a preventive measure. However, as of Saturday night, December 21, it had not specified the exact amount of hydrocarbon that had been spilled.

Local authorities have expressed concern about the impact on marine biodiversity, confirming that species such as turtles, crabs, octopuses, and fish have been seriously harmed by contact with the spilled oil. Videos and photographs posted on social media show the oil covering not only the water but also the sand and rocks on the affected beaches.

Mayor Ricardo Bancayán, of the Lobitos District Municipality, spoke out on the matter: “I am outraged by the oil companies and this spill on our Peruvian coast. Our beaches, where we offer tourism and marine products, have been affected.”  The local authority pointed out that the district is the largest producer of oil and gas in the country; however, the citizens of Lobitos are the last to be taken into account. “We want those responsible and the government to take action on the matter.”  (Kaieteurnews)