402,000 liters of fuel salvaged from sunken tanker in Manila Bay

MT Terranova sank off Bataan on July 25, 2024.  (File photo from Philippine Coast Guard)

MANILA, Philippines — More than 400,000 liters of industrial fuel oil were extracted from the Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova, one of the three sunken ships in Manila Bay.

“The contracted salvor, Harbor Star, reported over 402,000 liters of collected oily waste from 19 to 25 August 2024,” the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in its report on Monday.

Specifically, as much as 402,042 liters of fuel were siphoned out of the boat from August 19 to 25, as of 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The “full blast” siphoning of the fuel began on August 21, when 42,026 liters were collected, according to the Coast Guard Bataan Station commander, Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina.

The PCG said that on August 24, it collected most of the fuel, extracting 121,724 liters.

PCG said its BRP Sindangan used water cannons to stir the oil sheens at ground zero, while BRP Malamawi conducted area monitoring.

Last July 25, MT Terranova capsized and eventually submerged off Bataan, killing a crew member.

The spillage spread up to the coasts of Manila and nearby provinces.

Aside from MT Terranova, two other ships submerged in Manila Bay last month.

MV Mirola 1 ran aground on July 31, and eventually led to its capsizing, while MT Jason Bradley sank on July 27.