Urgent response needed: Philippine Coast Guard battles massive oil spill in Manila Bay

The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an urgent response to what could become one of the country’s most devastating environmental disasters. On Saturday, July 27, the Coast Guard reported that approximately 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil are leaking from the sunken MT Terra Nova into Manila Bay. The tanker, which sank early Thursday morning due to severe weather conditions, has already begun to spill its cargo, prompting a swift and high-stakes operation to contain the damage.

Oil Spill Crisis Expands in Manila Bay

The situation has quickly escalated, with the oil slick now stretching 12 to 14 kilometres across Manila Bay. This expansion represents a dramatic increase in the spill’s size, raising significant concerns about the potential environmental impact. According to Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, initial inspections revealed that the leak is minimal, with only small amounts of oil escaping from the vessel’s valves. Despite these assurances, the Coast Guard is treating the situation with the utmost seriousness due to the potential for a full-scale environmental catastrophe.

Immediate Measures and Ongoing Efforts

In an effort to mitigate the crisis, the Coast Guard has deployed oil containment booms around the affected area. These barriers are designed to prevent the spread of the oil and minimise environmental damage. The ship tasked with recovering the spilled oil is en route to the scene, and efforts to begin siphoning the oil from the MT Terra Nova are expected to commence by Sunday, July 28. Rear Admiral Balilo expressed hope that this operation would be underway soon, though he cautioned that the entire process of extracting the oil could take up to a week.

Impact on Local Communities

The spill has significant implications for the thousands of fishermen and tourism operators who rely on Manila Bay. In response to the threat of contamination, the Coast Guard has called for a suspension of fishing activities in the bay. This precautionary measure aims to prevent the consumption of potentially contaminated fish and safeguard public health. The Coast Guard is also monitoring the situation closely, with an emphasis on preventing further environmental damage.

Environmental and Operational Challenges

The initial reports indicated that the oil leaking from the MT Terra Nova was primarily diesel fuel. However, recent assessments suggest that the slick may be a combination of diesel and industrial fuel oil. This shift in understanding adds a layer of complexity to the containment and recovery efforts. The MT Terra Nova sank nearly seven kilometres from its departure point in Limay, west of Manila, which has further complicated the response operations.

Out of the 17 crew members on board, 16 were successfully rescued. The sole casualty of the incident underscores the severity of the situation and the risks involved in maritime operations during adverse weather conditions.

The unfolding situation at Manila Bay highlights the urgent need for effective and coordinated response strategies to manage oil spills. Environmental experts stress the importance of rapid containment measures to prevent long-term ecological damage. The Philippine Coast Guard’s proactive steps, including the deployment of containment booms and the planned extraction of oil, are crucial in addressing the immediate threat. However, the full impact of the spill will only become clear once recovery operations are complete and the extent of environmental damage is assessed.