Recent reports indicate a devastating oil spill in Lobitos, Piura, Peru, leading to the death of dolphins and other marine species. The incident, which occurred on December 21, has prompted local authorities to suspend fishing activities due to high contamination levels.
Fishermen have discovered the bodies of dolphins washed ashore, highlighting the severe impact on local wildlife. One fisherman noted, “Now the water is pure oil. There are dead animals everywhere.”
The mayor of Lobitos, Ricardo Bancayán, criticized Petroperú's general manager for downplaying the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and preventive measures against future spills. He stated, “To minimize this incident as a minor issue is unacceptable.”
Contamination has also affected crabs and other marine life, with reports of turtles and octopuses covered in crude oil. The spill has impacted approximately 300 registered fishermen and workers in the local tourism and restaurant sectors.
Environmental organizations, including Oceana Perú, have condemned Petroperú’s minimization of the spill, asserting that the affected area is significantly larger than initially reported.
The Peruvian Ministry of Defense has activated a contingency plan to address the oil spill, deploying maritime patrols to assess the damage and coordinate cleanup efforts.