The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday raced against time to find a way to siphon out some 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel from a tanker that sank off the coast of Bataan province to avert what some say could be an environmental disaster of monumental proportions.
PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the spill from MT Terra Nova was “minimal” and that it appeared to be diesel fuel used to power the tanker and not industrial fuel oil cargo.
The vessel sank in rough seas nearly seven kilometers (4.3 miles) off Limay town early Thursday after setting out for the central city of Iloilo.
“No oil has been leaking from the tank itself, so we’re racing against time to siphon the oil, so we can avoid the environmental catastrophe,” Balilo said.
The PCG has set a target of seven days to offload the cargo and prevent what Balilo warned would be the worst oil spill in Philippine history if it were to leak.
Coast Guard divers are just waiting for the skies to clear before launching an inspection mission on the capsized vessel so the siphoning operation could get under way, he said.
He noted that they have yet to see indications that the oil is seeping out of the ill-fated ship.
“There’s nothing to be worried about for now, but we should not be complacent,” Balilo said.
He further disclosed that the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) personnel continue to lay oil dispersants and collect emulsified oil in the affected vicinity waters.
Oil spill containment booms were also deployed in preparation “for the worst-case scenario.”
Meanwhile, PCG officials on Friday afternoon met with the concerned shipping company’s representatives to discuss the siphoning operation.
A PCG’s assessment showed that if the oil does leak before it is offloaded, it is likely to affect the waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
“We are utilizing our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting with experts, and collaborating with LGUs and other stakeholders to avoid a marine environment catastrophe,” Balilo said.
The PCG and Maritime Industry Authority are also conducting a joint marine casualty investigation, headed by Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The Department of Energy, for its part, called on the cooperation of oil companies and related businesses to help contain the oil spill and assist affected communities.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the department is fully supporting the Oil Pollution Management Fund (OPMF) Committee in addressing urgent funding requirements for oil spill containment, removal, and clean-up operations of MT Terra Nova. With AFP
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