The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday that the cargo tanks of the M/T Terra Nova, which sank off Bataan, were leaking industrial fuel oil.
The PCG said divers from Harbor Star, the salvor chartered to work on the Terra Nova, confirmed that nine tank valves were leaking.
The tanks carried 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil.
“Immediately, the divers worked on sealing the valves, finishing the application of the second layer of sealant at around 10:42 a.m.,” the PCG said in a statement.
According to the Coast Guard, Harbor Star divers monitored the nine valves. They would finish their operations once they confirm the absence of an industrial fuel oil leak.
“As per the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, PCG Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan… Coast Guard units, the concerned shipping company, and the contracted salvor [were directed] to undertake all actions necessary to immediately close all leakages to avoid further adverse impact to the people and the environment,” the PCG added.
As of Saturday, the PCG described the oil spill from the sunken motor tanker as 12 to 14 kilometers long but still “manageable.”
The oil spill might affect Bulacan, Cavite, and Pampanga, according to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said they would sample the fish in areas affected by the oil spill to determine if there was a need to declare a fishing ban. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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