PCG ready to siphon off fuel from sunken tanker

The Harbor Star conducted a diving operation to seal the 24 valves from the sunken MT Terra Nova. —photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The fuel siphoning from the sunken Motor Tank (MT) Terra Nova has not started as there are still unsealed valves, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Wednesday.

In an online briefing, PCG reported that 19 valves have been sealed since Tuesday. Meanwhile, there are a total of 24 valves in the tank to seal, in which 14 leaked and were sealed on Sunday.

READ: Oil spill reaches Cavite; PCG seals ship’s valves

“That’s what we are waiting for today, the update of the salvor if they are done with the sealing and capping of valves… We will base on the reports if we’re going to proceed with the siphoning process up to tomorrow,” said Coast Guard Station Bataan Lt. Commander Michael John Encina.

In a press conference on Monday, PCG said that they were eyeing to have all 24 valves sealed by Monday and start siphoning fuel from the tank on Tuesday. Encina said that the siphoning process could last for five to seven days or a maximum of 10 days.

Encina mentioned that the salvor would be submitting their reports at 4 p.m. on Wednesday about the status of the sealing of valves.

Encina also said that the siphoning materials are already on standby such as the MT Helena Marie, and the barge containing siphoning equipment.

“If they sealed it today, we’re hoping that we can start tomorrow. If they are not yet sealed today, then we will wait upon its conclusion,” Encina added.

MT Terra Nova was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel when it capsized and submerged in Bataan waters in the morning of July 25, resulting in the death of one of its 17 crew on board. The oil spill stretched for about 12 to 14 kilometers across Manila Bay on Saturday.

The Cavite government declared state calamity in eight areas on Wednesday after the oil spill reached the whole coastline of the province.