DIVERS failed to seal all the valves of the storage compartments of the sunken MT Terra Nova last Monday, delaying anew the start of the siphoning operation, a Philippine Coast Guard official said yesterday.
Lieutenant Commander John Encina, commander of the Coast Guard Station Bataan, said they were only able to seal 18 valves as of Monday, nine of them leaking. This leaves six valves still subject to sealing or capping.
The vessel sank last Thursday off Limay, Bataan after encountering huge waves generated by typhoon Carina.
Last Saturday, the PCG said it was targeting to start the siphoning last Sunday but discovered the leaking valves.
Last Monday, officials said they were aiming to complete the sealing today so they can start siphoning some 300,000 liters of industrial fuel oil and refloat the motor tanker.
“We are still at the capping and sealing process. We cannot yet start the siphoning (as of now). We capped 18 (valves) as of yesterday, there are still six left (to be capped),” Encina told a phone interview yesterday afternoon.
“Hopefully, we can complete the capping so we can start with the siphoning. Anyway, the equipment has been prepositioned. Once its complete, we’ll start the siphoning,” added Encina.
He said the PCG has advised the salvage company, Harbor Star, to ensure safety before starting the siphoning.
“Our advise to the salvor is do not rush the operation. We should ensure the safety of personnel and at the same time the vessel (before the siphoning),” said Encina.
Explaining why divers failed to seal all the valves on Monday, Encina said: “Number one, the (water) current is strong and we are not rushing the capping because this is a very sensitive (process). We are hoping to complete it (sealing) today.”
On whether there is possibility the siphoning will start later yesterday, Encina said: “Yes. The intention of the salvor is to start the siphoning upon the conclusion (of the sealing).”
Encina said an aerial inspection yesterday showed no visible oil sheen outside ground zero.
“It’s very minimal (outside the ground zero) and its possible they will dissipate by (sun) heat. What we have are oil sheen at the ground zero. We cannot deny that,” said Encina.
As of Monday, the length of the oil sheen was about two to four nautical miles (3.7 to 7.4 kilometers).
Yesterday, PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the affected area is down to less than a kilometer “and it is contained within the oil spill boom around the vessel.”
On reports of sighting of oil sheen in Cavite and Bulacan, Gavan said: “We didn’t see anything (during yesterday’s aerial inspection). The coastlines there are clear.
“The situation is under control. We sealed the leaking valves and pipes. But we are still vigilant because the (cargo) oil is still inside the sunken vessel. We are on top of the situation,” said Gavan.
On the projection of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute that the oil spill can reach Manila, Gavan said: “As of today, there are no oil sheen going towards Manila, the sea is clear.”
PUBLIC WARNED
The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned the public against the potential health hazards the oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Terra Nova may bring.
In a statement, the DOH said oil spill carries several possibilities of causing harm to the public.
“Oil spills can harm people in many ways: through direct physical contact, contamination, destruction of food sources and habitats, and in some cases, reproductive health problems,” said the DOH.
“It depends on how people come in contact with an oil spill, but there are many immediate health effects that an individual may experience,” it added.
The health department said the public may experience nausea, eye irritation, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, headache, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating if they inhale the oil spill.
If people come in direct skin contact with the oil spill, they may experience skin irritation, blisters, burns, peeling skin, and dermatitis.
If ingested, the DOH warned that the public may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, coughing, irritability, and unconsciousness, while large amounts may result in convulsions, coma, or death.
To avoid coming into contact with the oil spill, the health department said children must be kept away from affected areas, and warning signs should be put up in affected bodies of water.
It said the public and their pets and animals must also avoid bathing, washing clothes, or wading in oil spill affected areas
The DOH said the public must also avoid eating seafood, like fish and shellfish, from affected areas and nearby water sources unless cleared by local authorities.
Ensuring that drinking water is clean and from approved water sources is also another imperative, said the DOH.
When exposed to the oil spill or any chemical from the oil spill, the health department said the public must decontaminate by removing all clothes exposed to oil, and immediately washing exposed areas of the body with mild soap and water.
If one experiences any symptoms from exposure to the oil spill, the DOH said they should seek immediate medical assistance from the nearest health facility and healthcare professional.
The DOH said the public may also call its hotline (1555), or East Avenue Medical Center Poison Control (0923-2711183; (02) 8928 0611 loc 707), or PGH National Poison Management and Control Center (0966-7189904; (02) 8524 1078). — With Gerard Naval
