On August 30, 2019, oil pellets of unknown origin began appearing along Brazil’s northeastern coast. In the days and weeks that followed, locals found pools of oil on countless beaches in the region. Satellite images detected damage along 200 kilometers of the coastline.
Almost two years on, investigators have not found a culprit, and no one has been punished.
But unsealed documents have given us more information on the Navy’s probe, concluded in October 2020. Investigators identified three potential culprits for what was the biggest oil spill in Brazilian history: tankers Bouboulina (from Greece), VL Nichioh (currently City of Tokyo, sailing under a Liberian flag of convenience), and Amore Mio (from the Netherlands). Back in November 2019, the Federal Police had cited Bouboulina — of shipping company Delta Tankers — as being responsible for the leak.
“This event teaches us lessons, such as the need to improve the monitoring of ships that pass through Brazilian waters and the vicinity,” said the Navy, in a statement.
But there is more to this recently published report than meets the eye.
...
Search
