MT Terranova oil siphoning halted for now, says PCG

FILE PHOTO: The MT Terranova sank on July 25, 2024, two days before another fuel tanker sank also in the waters of Bataan province, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Photo from PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The siphoning of oil from the sunken MT Terranova was suspended for now to allow the unloading of recovered oily waste at the Orion Dockyard in Bataan province.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed this information in a report Saturday, noting that Harbor Star collected more than 806,000 liters of oily waste from the motor tanker as of August 28.

MT Terranova was one of three vessels that sank in Manila Bay in August.

“The contracted salvor, Harbor Star, temporarily stopped the siphoning operation to prioritize the unloading of the recovered oily waste at Orion Dockyard, Orion, Bataan,” the PCG said.

READ: More than half of 1.4 M liters of oil extracted from sunken tanker

The PCG also reported that BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) conducted aerial surveillance at ground zero, while their personnel monitored the shoreline nearby for possible traces of oil sheen. But both operations yielded negative results.

MT Terranova sank in Bataan’s portion of Manila Bay on July 25 amid heavy rains caused by the combined effects of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and a strong southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat. MT Terranova was carrying 1.4 million liters of oil and was en route to Iloilo when the mishap happened.

READ: Explainer: Manila Bay oil spills’ harm on fishing, environment, public health

The incident left a crew member dead while its oil spill reached the coastline of Manila and nearby provinces.

Aside from MT Terranova, MV Mirola and MT Jason Bradley likewise sank in Manila Bay last month. MV Mirola 1 ran aground and eventually capsized on July 31, while MT Jason Bradley went under on July 27.