There is still no confirmation regarding the origin or name of the overturned vessel spilling oil into Tobago’s waters.

At a media conference today, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said divers have still not been able to approach the vessel due to unsafe conditions.

To date, the vessel has only been visually identified as “Gulfstream”.

Mr Augustine also stated that an upgrade to a Tier 3 threat level is imminent, meaning international help will be needed.

Efforts are currently focused on containing the spill.

TEMA says Energy Minister Stuart Young has approved for Heritage Petroleum to send resources including personnel and equipment, to assist with the response.

This follows the Ministry initially requesting assistance from Woodside Energy and their approval of the use of a private service contractor, Kaizen Environmental Services Trinidad Ltd, that Woodside Energy had in Tobago with the expertise to deal with containment and clean-up operations.

Minister Young has also been in contact with bpTT and Shell Trinidad, both of which have offered to provide assistance.