On 29^th December 2021 a team of officers from the Ministry of Transport and Housing, Port Department, Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Department of Environmental Planning and Protection) conducted an aerial site visit to the site of the collision of Tropic Breeze and Utopia IV and the sinking of Tropic Breeze.  The purpose of the aerial survey was to ascertain the condition of the environment due to the potential exposure to any oil spill from the sunken vessel; and to provide technical advice on remediation of any oil spill.  The location of the site is approximately 15 miles north-northwest of New Providence between Whale Cay and the Northwest Passage.

Arial observations indicate an oil sheen at the estimated point of the wreck, and tar balls/blobs were observed approximately three miles from the site.  The appearance of a small number of tar balls were also observed in the shallow waters along the south-eastern shoreline of Whale Cay.

A team from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Ministry of the Environment and Housing (DEHS and DEPP) conducted a surface investigation on 30^th December and located the oil sheen.  It is noted that wreck is located in approximately 9,400 feet of ocean and that the sheen is affected by ocean currents and heavy seas.  A report on site visits will be produced and more information will be made available.

"The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the preservation and protection of our natural environment."