FILE PHOTO: The coastline of Pola town in Oriental Mindoro is reeling from the widespread oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress as seen in this photo taken on March 6, 2o23. The industrial fuel that leaked from the vessel has forced local fishermen to abandon their source of livelihood for now due to health risks. —PHOTO BY NOEL GUEVARA OF GREENPEACE
MANILA, Philippines — A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) from Japan will be utilized in oil spill cleanup efforts in Oriental Mindoro, fuel tanker owner RDC Reield Marine Services (RDC) said Wednesday.
“The ROV ‘Hakuyo’ is currently en route to the Philippines from Japan onboard its mother vessel, the workboat Shin Nichi Maru, and is expected to arrive on Monday, March 20, 2023, to start operations. The ROV and its mother vessel were contracted by RDC sometime last week after an extensive search for all available options,” the company said on a website it set up for updates on the oil spill.
According to RDC, the Hakuyo will go to the sunken vessel and conduct visual surveys of the MT Princess Empress.
READ: Brace for lower fish catch due to oil spill, fisherfolk group says
It said this will “help determine the structural condition of the wreck and check for any ongoing oil leaks.”
“Experts will then assess these surveys to determine further options to address any leaks and remove any remaining cargo,” RDC noted.
RDC Reield Marine Services was scrutinized in a Senate committee hearing recently after it was revealed that MT Princess Empress did not have the proper permit to operate, specifically, a certificate of public convenience.
READ: Oriental Mindoro town mayor turns down aid from owner of sunken tanker amid oil spill
MT Princess Empress, which was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel, submerged off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro on February 28 after encountering engine trouble amid rough seas. Consequently, oil leaked and eventually spread to Antique and Palawan.
READ: Oil spill puts 8 more towns in Oriental Mindoro in calamity state
The oil spill has so far affected the livelihoods of around 13,000 fisherfolk, plunging several towns into a state of calamity, as it threatens marine ecosystems, including the world-renowned resource rich Verde Island Passage.
READ: Oil spill in Oriental Mindoro threatens Verde Island Passage