Metro Manila, Philippines – An undetermined volume of molasses has spilled in waters off Negros Occidental, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Thursday, Aug. 8.
On Aug. 7, molasses were loaded to MT Mary Queen of Charity from a truck. About 300 metric tons were transferred to the 490-GT vessel when a port personnel noticed discoloration in the vicinity of Sagay Feeder Port, the PCG said.
The coast guard said it ordered a halt to the molasses loading.
The PCG said it conducted containment and recovery operations, while its Marine Environmental Protection Unit also sampled the water.
The coast guard said it has reached out to the local government and the City Environment and Natural Resources to address the matter.
The master of MT Mary Queen of Charity, meanwhile, was told to file a marine protest.
