A speedy spill-response effort prevented environmental harm after the sinking of a tour
vessel at Academy Bay, Santa Cruz Island, according to Ecuadorian officials.
Recreational diving boat Albatros went down in Academy Bay on Saturday April 23rd. No passengers were on board at the time, and all four crewmembers were rescued safely. However, the sinking left a light sheen on the water in parts of the bay. The boat had an estimated 2,000 gallons of diesel on board.
Ecuador’s environment ministry reported that local first responders took immediate action
to contain the spill. The effort was successful and has prevented “significant impacts on the island and marine ecosystems of the archipelago,” according to a statement from Galapagos National Park.
The incident was believed to have been caused by a ruptured pipe inside the vessel. There was still fuel aboard the boat, the authorities said, noting that it would have to be removed in a salvage operation.
Tourism operations in the area were temporarily suspended Saturday, but resumed swiftly
on Sunday, according to the park.
