Neighbors of Manzanillo demanded the Government to remove the fuel from the ship that ran aground on said beach and take quicker actions to avoid environmental damage, which could affect not only this area but also Bocas del Toro in Panama due to the effect of the currents.
The Panamanian ship Yicel ran aground on Manzanillo beach last Sunday, according to a report by the coastguard.
Parjam Zingrich, a resident of Manzanillo, commented that the government is failing because the first thing that had to be done was to take the fuel out of the boat, as well as the hydraulic fluids of the engine, and all other oils. Zingrich pointed out that the entire community is very concerned about the environmental damage that may be caused.
Álvaro Sagot, lawyer and environmentalist, indicated that the entire area is being put at risk and, due to the effect of tides, which go from north to south, the area of Bocas del Toro may also be compromised.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Mopt) informed by means of a press release that
this ship did not carry cargo, that is, it came empty from Panama to load in Moín and the only fuel it carries is the one used for its operation.”