PHOTO FROM PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has begun efforts to contain the oil spill from the sunken motor tanker Terra Nova off Bataan.
On Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commenced oil collection to prevent the spread of the spill originating from the sunken motor tanker Terra Nova near Bataan. According to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, the spill is currently from the tanker’s working fuel, not the 1.4 million liters of stored industrial oil.
“Although only a small amount of oil was found, we applied a dispersant and collected the emulsified oil. It just means that nothing is leaking from the tank itself,” Balilo explained. He added that oil spill booms and dispersants have been deployed, with environmental protection personnel on-site.
Balilo noted that the tanker crew claimed to have secured the tanker’s valve before abandoning the ship. PCG personnel have met with representatives from Terra Nova’s shipping company and a contracted salvor to discuss the plan and timeline for the siphoning operation, which is expected to be completed within seven days, given the ship’s 34-meter depth.
Divers are on standby for underwater assessment as weather permits.
Worst-Case Scenario
Limay town Mayor Nelson David stated that fishermen and residents are currently unaffected by the oil spill. “It hasn’t spread yet. It was still quite small because it was just 400 to 500 liters of fuel from the ship,” he said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. He also mentioned that the motor tanker’s owner had not yet communicated with him, though the salvage contractor had visited the area.
Balilo warned that in a worst-case scenario where the 1.4 million liters of industrial oil leak, the waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga could be affected. “We are utilizing our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting with experts, and collaborating with LGUs and other stakeholders to avoid a marine environment catastrophe,” he stated.
The oil spill was monitored 5.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point, covering an estimated two nautical miles. The MT Terra Nova, which departed Bataan for Iloilo, capsized 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao around 1:10 a.m. Sixteen of the 17 crew members were rescued, while one crewman was found dead.