Divers to inspect sunken MT Terranova for oil spill risk

MANILA, Philippines – Divers will attempt to inspect the sunken MT Terranova on Saturday, July 27, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) races to prevent a massive oil spill.

PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo confirmed to Rappler that divers will attempt an underwater assessment of the sunken vessel and its cargo on Saturday. The team was on standby since Friday, July 26, but has been waiting for the weather and sea condition to improve before continuing the operation.

Oil tanker MT Terranova was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank on Thursday, July 25, off Bataan province. The PCG said that attempts are now underway to recover its cargo before it causes a wider oil spill.

Shogun Ships Company Incorporated, owner of the sunken ship, has tapped Harbor Star Shipping Services to salvage the tanker and respond to the oil spill. Harbor Star was also among the companies that responded to the Mindoro oil spill in 2023 caused by the sinking of oil tanker MT Princess Empress.

Optimistically, the PCG estimates that it could complete siphoning within seven days, considering the oil tanker sank in shallow waters.

However, Balilo said that under the “worst-case scenario,” the oil spill could stretch all the way into the vicinity waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. The coast guard has already deployed oil containment booms.

According to Limay Mayor Nelson David, around 400 to 500 liters of the vessel’s engine fuel leaked out. Authorities have observed an oil slick in the area, although there are no reports yet if the industrial fuel oil of the tanker was already spilling.

“There’s nothing to worry about, but we would not be complacent,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said in Filipino on Friday, July 26.

“We are still preparing for the worst-case scenario to address the potential negative impact to the marine environment.” – Rappler.com