Metro Manila, Philippines – Oil slick from a sunken tanker in Bataan may spread to waters off Metro Manila and nearby provinces in a worst-case scenario, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Friday, July 26.
M/T Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, capsized and sank in waters off Limay, Bataan on Thursday, July 25.
The coast guard said a worst-case scenario would see oil spreading to the vicinity waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
“We are utilizing our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting with experts, and collaborating with LGUs (local government units) and other stakeholders to avoid a marine environment catastrophe,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said in a press briefing.
The PCG said its Marine Environmental Protection unit is on site collecting oil sheen.
The Terra Nova sank 34 meters deep, 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point.
Balilo said siphoning the oil may take seven days considering the depth of the vessel.
Emulsified oil in the water may be from the working fuel and not the fuel the vessel is carrying, he said.
PCG officials, the company’s representatives and its contracted salvor met on Friday to talk about the siphoning timeline.
“Walang dapat ipag-aalala, pero hindi kami nagpapakampante. We are still preparing for the worst-case scenario to address the potential negative impact to the marine environment,” said Balilo.
[Translation: There is nothing to worry about, we are not complacent.]
Meanwhile, the body of a crew member – the lone fatality – has been turned over to the family. Rescuers saved 16 others who were turned over as well to their families. – Daniza Fernandez
