The Cabo-Sounion: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

An alarming oil spill incident occurred on December 26, 2023, at 10:15 PM GMT, involving the 'Cabo Sounion' as it was mooring at an underwater loading buoy near the Puerto Rosales oil port, located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Bahia Blanca at coordinates 38°57'43" S, 061°59'58" W. The leak was initially discovered on the morning of December 27 by a local fisherman, who promptly notified the appropriate authorities. By January 15, 2024, it had become clear that Oiltanking Ebytem, a subsidiary of the German company Oiltanking GmbH, was being held liable for the environmental disaster. A federal court criminal complaint has been filed against the loading port operator for failing to properly manage the incident. The allegations suggest that the company activated its emergency protocols too late, contributing to a significant oil slick covering over 20 square kilometers in the bay area off Bahia Blanca. The municipalities of Bahia Blanca and Coronel Rosales have united to hold Oiltanking Ebytem accountable, with the courts now tasked with determining the company's level of negligence. Official protocols dictate that such incidents must be reported immediately to the Argentine Naval Prefecture, yet Oiltanking Ebytem has admitted to early awareness of the pollution. So far, cleanup efforts have addressed over 23,000 square meters of the affected area, but significant questions remain regarding whether the company attempted to downplay or cover up the extent of the oil spill. Satellite imagery confirmed the slick's size, estimated at a troubling 21 square kilometers, severely impacting local nature reserves including Bahia Blanca, Bahia Falsa, and Bahia Verde. The ongoing investigation will seek answers and accountability in the wake of this environmental crisis.