IMPORTANT UPDATE: The CNE has downgraded this alert from Red to Yellow.  Please see our updated news report: http://news.co.cr/red-alert-in-costa-rica-downgraded-to-yellow/38605/

Officials from the National Commission on Emergencies (Spanish initials: CNE) in Costa Rica have issued a Red Alert on a significant section of the Pacific Coast after a barge carrying diesel fuel and 180 tons of ammonium nitrate capsized off Puntarenas.

Oceanographic conditions along the Pacific coast this weekend produced strong currents and powerful swells, which the aforementioned barge could not withstand. Two crew members, who were aboard the barge when it capsized and spilled its toxic contents, were rescued by a special ocean rescue unit assigned to the Fire Department in Puntarenas.

Most of the coastal region of the Esparza canton is affected by this Red Alert, which extends from the busy Port of Caldera north to the city of Puntarenas (where the Double Tree Hilton is located) and across the Gulf of Nicoya to San Lucas Island, Playa Pájaros, Paquera, Playa Quesera, Ballena Bay (not to be confused with a similarly named coastal community in the southern Pacific), Playa Tambor, Tortuga Island, and Cedros Island.

At this time, the CNE has advised the President’s Office on this matter, and the following measures must be followed:

• Do not enter the ocean
• Do not catch fish in the ocean or the estuaries
• Monitor environmental conditions and report any signs of water discoloration, dead marine life, stranded cetaceans, etc.

Ammonium nitrate is normally used as a fertilizer and could be toxic when high concentrations come in contact with the eyes, skin, or membranes. When concentrated ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, it turns into a liquid form that can be toxic. Exposure by means of direct contact and poisoning may result in the following reaction:

• Breathing difficulty
• Cough
• Vomit
• Irritation
• Nausea

In case of ammonium contact with the eyes or skin, it is recommended to flush with tap water for more than 10 minutes.

At this time, members of Fuerza Pública, the national police force of Costa Rica, are patrolling the beaches of the aforementioned communities to warn surfers and swimmers about the Red Alert.