PCG races against time to prevent spill

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is “racing against time” to prevent a massive oil spill from occurring after the tanker Terra Nova sank off the coast of Bataan.

- GHIO ONG

Based on the assessment by the agency’s marine environmental protection unit, it would take seven days to drain the 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel stored inside the sunken tanker, according to PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.

He said the crew of the sunken tanker assured the PCG that they were able to secure the cargo hatch.

Balilo noted that so far, only an oil slick was observed by PCG personnel in the area where Terra Nova was believed to have sunk. This is said to be the operational oil used by the tanker.

The PCG official said preventive measures like placing an oil spill boom on the affected area and the preparation of dispersants are already in place if the oil spill worsens.

Balilo said they have met with the company they hired to salvage the cargo and are awaiting their detailed plan on how will they retrieve the capsized vessel.

He said they expect them to start siphoning the oil once all the necessary equipment arrive this weekend.

Limay, Bataan Mayor Nelson David said they hope action can already be taken to salvage the tanker to prevent further oil spill at the site, which could become the worst oil spill incident in the country.