A large cargo ship has run aground near Abaco between Ambergris Cay and the Munjack Channel.
The vessel, that hit a reef, is reportedly attracting looters and concern about the marine life affected by the incident. According to Abaco residents a similar vessel ran aground near Scotland Cay about a year ago and is yet to be addressed.
Environmentalist, Eric Carey spoke with ZNS News coral reefs are of critical importance to the Bahamians ecosystem. He said, “whether we’re talking ecological importance, you know, providing habitats for many of the commercially important fish that we use Snappers, Groupers, etc., Lobsters. It’s critically important from an ecological perspective. “
Carey also opined the persons within the environmental community agree that nothing seems to happen when this situations arise.
Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne said a full investigation is underway. He also revealed that officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are on the scene. “There was perceived looting but I’m being advised that that’s inaccurate, that actually the persons who are trying to take some of the weight off the barge.”
Lightbourne promised to release information as investigations continue.
