Coast guard stops oil spill from stranded ship in Batangas

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) contained an oil spill from a roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessel that ran aground in Mabini town in Batangas province.

Authorities consequently ordered the ship’s “stripping” suspended amid fears that the process might cause another oil leak.

PCG-Batangas commander Captain Raul Belesario said on Monday that about 100 liters of bunker fuel mixed with water spilled in the area where Super Shuttle Roro 5 had been stranded in Barangay (village) Malimatoc.

The vessel ran aground at the height of typhoon “Nina” in December 2016.

Belesario said the vessel was later sold to a new owner, who recently started the ship’s stripping – the process of cutting it into smaller parts for salvaging.

Belesario said they received a report of an oil spill late Sunday evening.

“Immediately, we sent responders and booms,” said Belesario, adding the spill was contained early Monday and that it did not cause much damage to the coasts.

However, the PCG ordered the salvaging suspended “to see what better way to avoid (another leak),” he said. The wreck is believed to still contain bunker fuel in its lower deck.

Mabini is popular for several resorts and diving sites in Batangas.               /kga