Siphoning of Aquinas fuel starts today

A Japanese salvor company will commence the extraction of bunker fuel from the sunken MV St. Thomas Aquinas off the Lauis Ledge in Talisay City today.

Experts and personnel of the Malayan Towage and Salvage Corp. (MTSC) and some technical divers expect to complete their job on or before Sept. 28.

Noel Kimmayong, MTSC marine superintendent, said they are unsure about the volume of bunker fuel still inside the sunken vessel.

“The best way to know is to drill all the tanks then siphon all the oil from the tanks,” he said.

Lube, diesel, and bunker fuel were reportedly transported along with several hundred passengers by the MV St. Thomas Aquinas when it collided with the Sulpicio Express Siete off Lauis Ledge in Talisay City last Aug. 16.

MTC will use hydraulic pumps to extract five to 10 tons of oil per hour.

They will also employ a barge carrying 12 tanks each with a load capacity of 60,000 liters.

The extracted oil will be delivered to a reception facility in Mandaue City approved by the Coast Guard. /Correspondent Michelle Joy L. Padayhag