WATCH: Corrective Action Plan Activated Following Oil Seepage from Cooks Landfill

A corrective action plan has been activated following the seepage of contaminants from the Cooks Sanitary Landfill into waters leading to Hermitage Bay.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), working alongside several key agencies, confirmed that the matter is being addressed in accordance with the National Marine Pollution Manual.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard, the initial report was received at 8:38am on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from the Pilot Station at the Antigua Port Authority in St. John’s.

Personnel from the ABDF and the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) were immediately deployed to conduct an initial assessment of the affected area. Additional surveillance was carried out by NODS, the Central Board of Health, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

A meeting of the Marine Pollution Committee was convened on Friday morning, where it was confirmed that contaminants were flowing from the landfill site toward Hermitage Bay.

In response, NODS has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate containment and mitigation efforts. Authorities say remedial measures are already underway, including efforts to contain the contaminants and conduct water quality testing. Specialized equipment has also been mobilized to support the response.

As a precautionary measure, public access to the affected waters has been restricted. Fishermen and members of the public are advised that no fishing or recreational activities should take place in the area stretching from Seaforth Beach to Pinching Bay until further notice.

Officials say updates will be provided as the situation develops.