Screengrab from PCG

In a swift response to a serious maritime incident, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed three 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) to tackle the aftermath of the MT Terra Nova oil spill. The tanker sank about 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, early this morning at around 1:10 AM.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, explained that the vessels will begin applying oil dispersants to quickly address the situation. “We aim to mitigate the impact as much as possible while we prepare for the siphoning process,” Admiral Gavan said.

The goal is to complete the siphoning within seven days to prevent further spread of the oil. PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, clarified that there were no storm warnings when the tanker, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, left Limay. Thus, it complied with regulations for vessel movements during adverse weather conditions.

The vessel sank in relatively shallow waters at 34 meters deep, which should facilitate a quicker and less technical siphoning process. This will help protect the waters of Bataan and Manila Bay from severe environmental, social, and economic damage.

As of now, the PCG is collaborating with various Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs), oil companies like Petron, the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA), and local government units to support the response operations. Rear Admiral Balilo assured that the operations will follow the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP), managed by the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) under CG Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria.

In a tragic update, the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) located the body of a missing crew member from MT Terra Nova in the waters off Limay later today. The PCG continues its efforts to manage the situation and minimize the impact on the affected areas.