This photo from the Philippine Coast Guard shows the oil spill that followed the sinking of MT Princess Empress in the waters off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province early Tuesday morning, February 28, 2023. PCG photo
MANILA, Philippines — Some protected marine areas have been affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.
The oil spill was from the sunken ship MT Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrialized fuel oil.
“Mayroong mga marine protected area sa bandang Naujan at maging sa Pola. Hindi ko lang ma-recall kung ilan ‘yung marine protected areas dito,” PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.
(Marine protected areas are affected near Naujan and Pola. However, I cannot recall how many areas there are.)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned that the oil spill might impact up to 21 locally managed marine protected areas.
It said potential risk areas included seagrass beds, mangroves, and dispersion pathways for spawned fish larvae.
READ: Oriental Mindoro oil spill reaches shore
Balilo said the MT Princess Empress, which was completely submerged, sank 300 to 400 meters deep, making it difficult for responders to conduct salvage operations.
He said the last resort to contain and salvage the oil spill is to recover the oil leaking from the motor tanker.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident.
Balilo said the result of the probe would determine if people are accountable for the motor tanker’s sinking.
READ: PCG: Oil tanker off Oriental Mindoro now fully submerged, oil spill worsens