PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan yesterday said the fabrication of metal caps for the storage tanks of the sunken tanker in Limay, Bataan is underway.
In a television interview, Gavan said two of the metal caps have been completed and are already undergoing testing by the salvage firm hired by the owner of the ill-fated MTKR Terranova.
“The manufacturing or the fabrication of steel caps to replace the existing canvass-type of capping bags in place is underway,” Gavan said.
“Two have been completed as of yesterday (Sunday) and the salvor is testing these prototypes,” added Gavan.
Last week, the PCG said the canvass-type capping bags that were earlier installed on the valves of the storage tanks would have to be replaced with metal caps before the ship’s cargo of 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil could be siphoned off.
Officials said the siphoning process with the canvass-type capping bags in place may cause oil to further spill from the storage tanks.
MTKR Terranova, which has eight storage tanks with three valves each, sank last July 25 off Limay town at a depth of 34 kilometers after it was battered by huge waves, causing the oil spill.
“The oil sheen has been contained. Since day five we have been clear of the oil sheen. Oil spill booms are well in place,” Gavan said.
PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said they are expecting the fabrication of the metal caps to be completed this week. After the metal caps are installed, siphoning can start.
“This is pursuant to the wisdom of marine engineers and marine architects that we need to stabilize the vessel before the siphoning,” said Balilo. “If you proceed with the siphoning (without the metal caps) and the integrity of the vessel is compromised or the vessel moves, the temporary caps may break down. We will have a larger problem (if this happens).”
Two other vessels, the MTKR Jason Bradley and the MV Mirola Uno, also figured in mishaps last July 23 in Mariveles, Bataan.
MTKR Jason Bradley was not carrying any fuel cargo when it sank also due to bad weather. It was loaded with 5,500 liters of diesel to power its engine.
Some of the diesel has spilled but the PCG said the threat is not serious because diesel dissipates when exposed to sunlight and waves. The spill has been also contained.
“As to MTKR Jason Bradley, the plan is to refloat the vessel. We are coordinating with the salvage company and they will be the ones to declare when they will refloat the vessel,” said Balilo, adding the diesel would be siphoned off once the vessel is refloated.
The MV Mirola Uno was loaded with two drums of heavy fuel oil or dark oil when it ran aground. Some of the fuel also leaked and is manually being retrieved by PCG personnel.
Gavan said oil spill booms have been installed to prevent the fuel from further spreading.
In a statement, the PCG said: “As of today, 05 August 2024, the PCG recovered 790 liters of oil-water mixture and five sacks of contaminated oil debris using absorbent pads.”
The PCG said it is monitoring the oil spill booms and “continues oil recovery and containment.”
Gavan said the case of MV Mirola Uno is “more problematic” than the MTKR Jason Bradley “because the owner has been uncooperative lately.”
