Barge that sunk off Costa Rica coast with 180 tons of chemicals had no permits; spill could threaten marine life

(Pinterest / CR Hoy)

May 4^th, 2015 (InsideCostaRica.com) A barge carrying 180 tons of ammonium nitrate which sunk and spilled its cargo into the sea near the coast of Puntarenas on Saturday did not possess valid navigation permits, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) revealed on Monday.

Luis Fernando Coronado, director of the Port Maritime Division, told reporters that the vessel’s certification and navigation permits, along with those of six other vessels owned by the Costa Rican agrochemical company Fertica, expired in July 2014.

Coronado said that the company has continued to operate by “making use of legal loopholes,” according to La Nacion.

The company and its officials could be exposed to penalties of up to three years in prison and fines for environmental damage, according to the report, citing a statement by deputy transport minister Sebastian Urbina.

Experts are warning that the spill could produce what is known as a “red tide” within the next three days, which could pose a threat to marine life.  Ammonia also consumes oxygen as it breaks down, experts warn, which could cause a “dead zone” of oxygen-depleted water that could kill marine life in the area.