ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius--The Statia Government has confirmed that an estimated 19,000 barrels of fuel oil spilled at the Global Terminal Investment, GTI, terminal on July 21, 2026, but remained within the facility’s designated containment basins.
Based on assessments provided by GTI and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, ILT, no immediate risk was identified for nearby residents, terminal employees or the surrounding environment. No toxic vapors were reported, and no protective action was required from the public.
The Government said it recognizes the concerns raised within the community and emphasized that protecting residents and the environment remains its highest priority.
According to information received from GTI and the ILT, the fuel oil leaked from a product pipeline while preparations were underway to transfer the product to a ship. A technical malfunction, combined with human error, reportedly caused the spill.
The terminal’s containment basins are designed to collect fuel products in the event of a leak and prevent further spreading. The oil remained within those basins and did not enter the sea or surrounding natural areas.
Cleanup operations are continuing. Liquid fuel oil is being removed using vacuum trucks and temporarily stored in tanks, while contaminated soil is being excavated and placed in containers or drums for later removal.
The ILT is monitoring the cleanup and participating in the investigation into the cause of the incident.
After receiving preliminary information, the Acting Island Governor brought the matter to the attention of the Crisis Manager. An emergency meeting was subsequently convened with the relevant Emergency Support Function partners to assess the situation and determine whether measures were needed to protect the public.
Because the incident occurred at a Type IV industrial facility and involved specialized environmental and regulatory considerations, the Government sought the findings and assessments of the competent technical authorities before providing information to the public.
The Government also requested detailed information from GTI, the ILT and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management concerning the scale of the spill, containment measures, cleanup activities and any possible effects on public health, air quality, the marine environment and surrounding nature.
The Department of Licensing, Supervision and Enforcement assisted with the preparation of the Government’s report on the incident.
Follow-up meetings have been held daily to review developments and monitor the progress of the cleanup operation.
A joint meeting involving the Statia Government, GTI, the ILT and the relevant ministries is scheduled for Monday, August 3. The parties are expected to review the latest developments and determine the next steps.
The Statia Government said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and will promptly inform the community should new information change the current assessment.
The Government thanked residents for their patience and understanding and reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate and verified information as it becomes available.
