A barge carrying hurricane relief supplies to Caribbean countries ran aground off the coast of Grays, Long Island, in the Bahamas on the weekend.

In a statement the island’s Member of Parliament, Adrian Gibson revealed that the barge was carrying heavy machinery, cell phone towers, utility poles, bucket trucks, a crane, approximately 7 thousand gallons of fuel, and various other supplies.

He added that the items onboard the barge were purportedly earmarked for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. I have contacted Customs officials.

“As it stands, I am advised that Customs officials are aware of the cargo onboard and, in conjunction with the Police, would be keeping a close watch on the same.

“Assessments are currently being undertaken by the Police and the Department of Environmental Health. Police have liaised with the Defense Force for further assistance.

“The barge was en route to Anguilla from Trinidad when it broke away from the tug transporting it sometime during the passage of Hurricane Maria.

“Some weeks after Hurricane Irma, the barge was found Saturday in Long Island.

“I have also contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a representative currently has carriage of the matter,” Mr. Gibson said.

Mr. Gibson said he was also briefed by police who reported that there was spillage of about 50 gallons of fuel in the water.

Subsequently a team from the Department of Environmental Health was dispatched to the island , personnel from Baychem (a oil/fuel leakage response firm retained by NEMA) and Anthony Ryan, a public analyst at the Department of Environmental Health are scheduled to conduct evaluations.