Case history: The grounding of the M/T Tifoso, 1983 A test of Bermuda's contingency plan
Conference Paper
Overview
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
On January 20,1983, the Liberian-registered 138, 823 dwt vessel M/T Tifoso stranded on the northeast reef line of the Island of Bermuda at 32_28'25" N, 64o46'08" W. The ship was in ballast and contained approximately 450 tons of No. 6 fuel oil and 300 tons of No. 2 fuel oil and lubricating oil. Bermuda had developed an oil spill contingency plan in 1980, but this incident was the first major threat to the island's marine environment and the first test of the plan. This paper outlines the events leading to the spill, the state of readiness of a small island with a tourist-based economy, the contingency plan, and the response. Due to a previous arrangement with the U.S. government, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team responded with equipment and personnel. Using additional equipment and personnel based on Bermuda and also U.S. Coast Guard pumps, most of the bunkered oil was removed (approximately 470 tons) and contained within 48 hours of grounding. Because of the existence of the contingency plan, previous training of Bermudians by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the rapid action of the Coast Guard strike team, an effective response was achieved. Approximately 20 tons of oil were spilled from the flooded engine room when the vessel was refloated. However, due to fortuitous weather conditions, no oil reached Bermuda's shores.
