Coastal guards working to avoid ‘environmental disaster’ due to oil spill - datasurfr Coastal guards working to avoid ‘environmental disaster’ due to oil spill - datasurfr
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Coastal guards working to avoid ‘environmental disaster’ due to oil spill

What: 

Philippine coast guards are working to contain an oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Terra Nova off the coast of Bataan on 25th July. The tanker was en-route to Iloilo with 1.4 million litres (370000 gallons) of industrial fuel.

Why:

The MT Terra Nova sank due to the heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi.

So What:

  • According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), contracted salvor Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. has plugged the leaking valves of the oil tanker. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) is conducting a study of the water in Pasay, Cavite, Bulacan, and Bataan.
  • A State of Calamity was declared due to the oil spill in parts of Cavite, including Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.
  • The Cavite governor has announced that the province is a no-catch zone for mussels, crabs, and clams. A fishing ban is also imposed in Limay, Bataan.
  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health warning detailing the potential health hazards of oil spills, including skin and eye irritation, nausea, increased blood pressure, and coughing. Ingestion of large amounts of food contaminated by oil spills may cause convulsions, coma, or death. Those experiencing severe symptoms have been advised to contact authorities.
  • The oil slick has reduced from 12-14 km on 27th July to 3.2-6.4 km on 29th July.
  • After conducting an aerial survey on 30th July, the PCG observed ‘very minimal and unnoticeable oil sheens’ in the shorelines of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite.

Outlook:

The salvage company will tow the tanker to another site after enough fuel is removed to refloat the tanker. Meanwhile, the clean-up process is expected to continue.

Oil spills cause severe destruction to marine environments, which can also impact the fishing industry and tourism sector. Additionally, operations of coastal industries like shipyards, ports and harbours can also be disrupted. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans.