The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has provided an update on the sinking of the MT Terra Nova and the ongoing oil spill response operations in the waters near Limay, Bataan.
The 1,415-dwt coastal tanker sank on July 25 after encountering severe weather associated with Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in the death of one crew member.
On Friday, PCG Spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo reported that the Coast Guard’s Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) personnel are actively laying oil dispersants and collecting emulsified oil in the surrounding area.
At 1 PM on Friday, Coast Guard officials met with representatives from the concerned shipping company and contracted salvor to discuss their implementation plan and timeline for the siphoning operation. According to CG Rear Admiral Balilo, the siphoning operation could be completed within seven days, given the vessel sank at a depth of 34 meters. He assured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern, but preparations are being made for the worst-case scenario to mitigate potential negative impacts on the marine environment.
The Coast Guard has also assessed the potential trajectory of the oil spill if the situation worsens, which could affect the waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. Efforts are being made to mobilize resources, consult experts, and collaborate with local government units and stakeholders to prevent a marine environmental catastrophe.
Earlier, CG Rear Admiral Balilo confirmed that the 16 rescued crew members have been reunited with their families, while the deceased crew member’s body has been turned over to the bereaved family. Coast Guard divers are on standby for an underwater assessment as soon as weather conditions permit.
The PCG and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) are conducting a joint marine casualty investigation, led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.
In an official statement, Shogun Ships Co., operators of Terra Nova, expressed regret over the vessel’s sinking. The tanker, en route from Limay, Bataan to IloiIo, encountered severe weather, prompting the Master to seek shelter and eventually return to Limay. Despite assistance from a tugboat, the Terra Nova began to list and issued a distress signal to the Philippine Coast Guard. Seventeen Filipino crew members were rescued, but one crew member was initially missing and later found deceased.
The vessel was carrying 1,439 metric tons of industrial fuel oil at the time of sinking. The company says it is fully cooperating with anti-pollution efforts and receiving technical assistance from the International Tanker Owner’s Pollution Federation (ITOPF) for the clean-up operation.
“Protection of the marine environment is a cornerstone of the operator’s operations, and all efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of loss of fuel oil from the sunken vessel,” the company said.
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