PCG: No cargo spill from sunken tanker

1.4 MILLION LITERS OF FUEL This Coast Guard photo shows the bow of the tanker Terra Nova as it sank in Manila Bay on Thursday. —PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday has deployed floating barriers and dispersants to contain the little engine oil from the tanker that sank in the waters off Limay town in Bataan province early Thursday.

Rear Adm. Armand Balilo, spokesperson for the the PCG, said there was no leak yet from the 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel that the Philippine-flagged oil tanker “MT Terra Nova” was carrying.

He said what the PCG started collecting was oil coming from the working fuel of the motor tanker.

“Although only a small amount of oil was found, we applied a dispersant and we collected the emulsified oil. This means that nothing is leaking from the tank itself,” Balilo told reporters.

He said the tanker’s crew members assured him they were able to secure the motor tanker’s valve before they abandoned the ship that sank 34 meters about 7 kilometers east of Limay town.

READ: 1 dead, oil spill feared after tanker capsized in Bataan waters

He added the Terra Nova’s shipping company has already contracted a salvor to retrieve the tanker.

“Based on the study of our Marine Environmental Protection personnel, considering that the ship sank 34 meters, the siphoning can be completed within seven days,” Balilo said.

Worst-case scenario

“We are still preparing for the worst-case scenario to address the potential negative impact to the marine environment,” he added.

On Thursday, he warned that if the tanker’s cargo would leak, it would become the worst oil spill in the country’s history.

Based on the trajectory of the spill, he said it could affect the shores of Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga.

“We are utilizing our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting with experts and collaborating with [local governments] and other stakeholders to avoid a marine environment catastrophe,” he said.

Balilo added 16 members of the rescued crew have been turned over to their families while the body of Second Mate Alvin Llandelar was already in the custody of his family.

As of Thursday afternoon, the PCG said divers were on standby for underwater assessment as soon as the weather permitted.

The Terra Nova left Bataan on Wednesday night and was hit by big waves as it was about to sail away from the waters off Corregidor.

The crew told the PCG they were met by strong waves “until the ship was filled with water and they completely capsized.”

The PCG has sent BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Melchora Aquino and three other 44-meter vessels to augment the response in the area.