The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Sunday that the cargo tanks of the M/T Terra Nova, which sank off Bataan, are leaking industrial fuel oil. Divers from Harbor Star, the salvor assigned to the Terra Nova, confirmed leaks from nine tank valves. The tanker was carrying 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 stated.
Ongoing Monitoring and Operations
Harbor Star divers are continuously monitoring the nine valves and will complete their operations once they confirm the absence of any leaks.
“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.
Delayed Siphoning Operations
The siphoning of the Terra Nova’s industrial fuel oil, initially planned for Sunday, was postponed due to the valve leaks.
“Everything needed for the siphoning operation was already in place,” explained PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo. “However, due to the leaks, we prioritized sealing the valves and vents. Although the leaks are minor, they need to be addressed first.”
Balilo noted that the salvage divers are also facing challenges from inclement weather. Harbor Star has until Monday to seal the leaks, with siphoning set to begin on Tuesday.
Reduction in Spill Size
Balilo reported that the size of the spill had reduced from 12-14 kilometers to 2-3 kilometers. “Some of the oil may have dispersed or moved to other areas as we have used dispersants,” he explained.
The PCG confirmed that part of the oil spill was seen four kilometers from the Hagonoy, Bulacan coast, as captured in an aerial photo by Greenpeace. Booms have been placed around this section of the spill, and dispersants have been sprayed. No oil spills were detected off Batangas, Manila, and Pampanga.
Environmental and Fishing Impacts
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga warned that the oil spill might affect Bulacan, Cavite, and Pampanga. The PCG urged fishermen to adhere to the fishing ban. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will sample fish in affected areas to determine if a fishing ban is necessary.