An estimated 2,500 litres of oil ended up in the waters of Ecuador's famed Galapagos Islands after a tanker barge capsized and sank on Sunday, December 22.
Local media reports the incident began when a crane collapsed onto the unnamed vessel while cargo loading operations were ongoing at a port off San Cristobal Island. The crane's collapse then caused the vessel to overturn.
The barge's entire crew managed to jump into the water as the vessel tilted heavily. At least one individual suffered injuries from the incident.
The Ecuadorian Navy and Galapagos National Park pollution response teams have since deployed containment barriers and other equipment at the site of the spill.
Local officials said that the leaked oil has been brought under control and that there is no risk that it will spread further to the outlying areas.
