SANTA FE ISLAND, Galapagos – An attempt began today
to remove the wreck of the bulk carrier Jessica, which sank off the Galapagos
Islands a week ago causing an oil spill that has threatened the unique eco-
system made famous by Darwin, announced the International Fund for Animal
Welfare (IFAW).
The move has been welcomed by the IFAW and it’s team of experts carrying
out a wildlife rescue operation on the islands.
The U.S. Coastguard, which was called in to help with the crisis, is
coordinating the salvage operation. Two tugs connected cables to the stricken
vessel and will attempt to pull it upright. Holes in the hull will be fixed
and the remaining cargo of oil will then be recovered from the ship, which
foundered on rocks off the island of San Cristobal.
IFAW’s Emergency Relief Team and the International Bird Rescue and
Research Center from the U.S., together comprise the International Oiled
Wildlife Team. These highly trained individuals are working to rescue
affected birds and move them to a rehabilitation center, which has been set up
in an officers club at the island’s naval base.
Pelicans are the main victims of the oil spill, but sea lions and other
wildlife have also been affected. IFAW is working with the Parks Authority of
the Galapagos Islands and the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Station to
continually assess the situation and recommend and implement the best course
of action for the animals and the environment.
“It will be good news to have the wreck sealed up and removed so the
threat of more oil leaking out can be alleviated,” said Jay Holcomb, IFAW’s
team leader. “We are working closely with the local authorities and
scientists and two rehabilitation centers are being set up, one at the naval
base on San Cristobal and the other on the island of Santa Cruz, which has
also been affected by the spill.”
The rehabilitation centers have made it possible to now begin treating
affected wildlife. Once animals are captured they are brought in for
stabilization, then cleaned and finally given a few days to recuperate and
recover fully before being released. At the same time, IFAW is engaged in
training local people so they will be able to help in any future similar
crisis.
Latest figures for the wildlife affected by the oil spill are: 80
pelicans, 46 sea lions, 6 marine turtles, 5 bluefoot booby birds and 2 marine
iguanas.
