Concern grows about size of spill from sunken product carrier off Philippine island
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Manila has warned that Tuesday’s product tanker sinking off the coast of Mindoro island could lead to an oil spill with a radius of 40 km, harming up to 21 protected marine areas.
The laden ship’s engine overheated early on Tuesday morning, having encountered rough weather on a domestic trip. The ship then drifted and sank off the northeast coast of Mindoro with the 20 crew safely picked up by a nearby general cargo ship. The submerged ship is operated by local firm RDC Reield Marine Services.
Tugboats and booms have been deployed to the scene.
The spill thus far has been just diesel, but concern is growing about the cargo, 800,000 litres of industrial fuel oil.
Currently, the DENR Task Force Group, Philippine Coast Guard , Philippine Air Force and several local government units are working together to prevent the spread of the oil spill in the area.