Summary

12 miles NE of Nevis Island (British), eastern Caribbean
Subject Summary
Posting Date 1991-Mar-06

On March 6, 1991, the Vista Bella sank in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 12 miles
northeast of Nevis Island (British).  The barge, carrying 13,300 barrels of No. 6 Fuel
Oil, sank in approximately 2000 feet of water.  The wind speed on the day of the incident
was approx. 6-10 knots.  The cause of the sinking was not determined.  The barge was owned
by Offshore Marine Limited and operated under the Trinidad flag.

Dispersant was applied from March 9-15, within a two-nautical mile area of the source.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Atlantic Strike Team (AST) was on-scene from March 14-23.
Contractor beach cleanup began on March 27.