2024 Manila Bay oil spill explained

2024 Manila Bay oil spill
Cause:Sinking of MT Terra Nova
Volume:Up to
Location:Manila Bay, 7 km off the coast of Limay, Bataan, Philippines
Location Map Zoom:7
Casualties:1 death
Area:93.74km2

On July 25, 2024, the Philippine-flagged industrial fuel tanker MT Terra Nova capsized and sank in Manila Bay, off the east coast of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, causing an ongoing oil spill. The tanker was carrying nearly 1.5e6L of industrial oil. Initially, its engine oil leaked into the sea; after a while, the cargo began spilling into the bay following the sinking.[1] [2] Over the succeeding days, oil spills were also reported from two other vessels that sunk nearby.

Background

The Philippines was struck by heavy rainfall and strong winds caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Gaemi (locally called Carina) in late July 2024.

Sinkings

Terra Nova

At 1:10 am (UTC+8) on July 25, 2024, the Terra Nova capsized and sank in 34m (112feet) waters 3.6nmi off the coast of Limay in the province of Bataan.[3] Sixteen of the crew members were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Melchora Aquino[4] while one died. His body was recovered in waters off the shore of Limay.

The oil tanker was destined for Iloilo in the central Philippines, with seventeen crew members on board the ship.[5] Information from the LSEG Eikon indicated that the ship could carry 1,415 tons of deadweight tonnage.[6]

Jason Bradley

On July 27, the motor tanker MTKR Jason Bradley, carrying 5,500 liters of diesel fuel (although it was initially believed that this had already been emptied) sank in 9m (30feet) waters 600 yards off the coast of Barangay Cabcaben in the neighboring municipality of Mariveles. Its six crewmen were rescued by another vessel. The PCG was able to seal leaks coming from the vessel[7] and initiated removal of the diesel cargo with the help of a salvor,[8] with operations expected to last for two weeks.[9]

Mirola 1

On July 31, MV Mirola 1, carrying two drums of heavy fuel oil and 3,000 liters of diesel, was found abandoned, ran aground, and tilted to one side in the Five Fingers area of Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan in Mariveles adjacent to the South China Sea,[10] with diesel fuel leaking into the water from tanks inside the ship.[11] [12] The vessel was believed to have run aground on July 23 after sailing from Navotas without authorization from the PCG.[13]

Impact

Reports from the PCG on July 25, 2024, reported that the size of the "enormous" oil spill had spread out over "several" kilometers and was at risk of making landfall on the coast of Manila. PCG spokesperson Armando Balilo stated that the oil spill had a significant risk of impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen by damaging the marine environment of Manila Bay. He noted that the oil spill could grow into the largest in Philippine history if the entire 1.494 million liters of oil were to disperse into the bay. The Philippine Space Agency (PSA), citing satellite images, estimated that the spill could reach an area of around 14.4 square kilometers.[14] On July 26, the PCG assessed that the oil slick had reached two kilometers in length.[15] The mayor of Limay said that 400 to 500 liters of oil from the ship's fuel tank had leaked out.[16] By July 30, the PSA estimated that the oil spill covered an area of around 93.74 square kilometers in Manila Bay.[17]

Transportation secretary Jaime Bautista reported that the tanker was carrying roughly 1,494 metric tons of industrial fuel at the time of its sinking. The oil spill spread quickly due to strong waves extending the area of the spill rapidly.

On July 27, the PCG reported that the ship's industrial fuel cargo began to leak, contributing to the oil spill caused by diesel fuel spilling from the vessel's fuel tank. As a result, the amount of oil spilled tripled from the initial leak on July 25, with the surface oil slick extending between 12 to 14 kilometers (7.5 to 8.7 miles). In response, the PCG issued a ban on fishing in Manila Bay.[18] Traces of the spill were discovered in Bulacan, particularly in Hagonoy,[19] and Cavite, particularly in Cavite City, Maragondon, Naic, Tanza and Ternate.[20] [21]

On July 30, Bataan Governor Joet Garcia imposed a no-fishing zone on Limay,[22] later adding that about 14,000 people working in the province's fishing industry would be affected by the oil spill.[23] On that date, satellite imaging from the PSA determined that the visible surface area of the oil spill had grown to about 93.74 km2 (36.19 square miles), covering about 4.7% of Manila Bay's 1,994 km2 (769.9 sq mi) surface area.[24] [25] On July 31, a state of calamity was declared in the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate and the city of Bacoor in Cavite by Governor Jonvic Remulla.[26] A ban on catching shellfish was also declared in Cavite, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that fish samples taken from parts of the province before the appearance of oil slicks had already tested positive for petrochemicals.[27] The BFAR lifted its warnings against consuming seafood from affected areas, except for those caught in Cavite, on August 13.[28]

A state of calamity was also declared in Bataan on August 6.[29] Authorities estimated that around 350,000 people, including around 25,000 working in the fishing industry, were affected by the oil spill in Cavite, while daily economic losses in the province was estimated at nearly P18 million.[30] The Department of Agriculture estimated that total damages to fishing had reached P78.69 million, directly affecting 28,373 people.[31]

On August 1, the oil spill reached the coast of Manila, where it was visible from Roxas Boulevard.[32]

Response

The PCG dispatched a 97-meter long coast guard ship to prevent further spillage, while several smaller ships were put on standby until weather conditions stabilized enough. President Bongbong Marcos also conducted an aerial survey of Pampanga, Bulacan, and Bataan to assess the effects of the oil spill.[33] Environment secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga deployed the survey vessel BRP Hydrographer Presbitero to conduct ecosystems mapping of areas affected by the oil spill.[34]

The PCG started using floating barriers and siphoning using water buckets to clean up the oil slick.[35] Booms, including those made from coconut husks,[36] and dispersants were also used after divers found the cargo was leaking from the valves.[37] The PCG estimated that siphoning of the cargo would take a week.[38] The PCG ordered the sealing of nine leaking valves before the start of the siphoning on July 30. By July 29, 14 of its 24 tank valves from its eight compartments had been sealed.[39] The PCG further reported that Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc. had been selected to salvage the vessel[40] and that its divers had managed to seal the valves.[41] The PCG added that the siphoned IFOs will be transferred to Terranova' sister ship the MT Helena Marie.[42]

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also appealed for hay, hair and coconut coir pith donations to process into oil booms as absorbent. It also reported not only air and water contamination, but damage to coral reefs and mangrove areas.[43] The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated that around 4,700 hectares of critical ecosystems and 44 sites linked to the Asian Waterbird Census could be affected within a 30-kilometer radius of where the Terranova sank.[44]

On August 1, the PCG began removing oil from the MV Mirola 1[45] and formally seized the vessel on August 16.[46] On August 1, the PCG also announced the postponement of oil siphoning from the Terranova for about two weeks, citing the need to replace the initial capping bags on the valves of the vessel with metal ones to prevent more discharges during the actual removal.[47] The recovery of the oil finally began on August 13.[48]

On August 5, the PCG said that the oil sheen from the Terranova had been contained, while 790 liters of oil-water mixture and five sacks of contaminated oil debris had been recovered from the Mirola 1.[49] On August 10, the PCG began removing oil from the MTKR Jason Bradley,[50] which was partially refloated on August 12.[51] The Mirola 1 was completely refloated on August 22.[52]

Investigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the DILG said that the three sunken vessels may have been involved in oil smuggling, which the Terranova's owner, Portavaga Ship Management Inc., denied.[53] The DOJ subsequently said that both the Jason Bradley and Mirola 1 had not been cleared by the PCG to sail, adding that the latter vessel was unregistered.[54] Records from the Bureau of Customs also showed that the Jason Bradley was the subject of a seizure and detention warrant in 2022 for failing fuel marking tests and inability to provide evidence of payment of duties and taxes.[55] An investigation into the disaster was begun by the Senate on August 14.[56]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Philippines: Industrial fuel tanker capsizes, causing oil spill . July 25, 2024 . . July 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240725042058/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjqepd5kk8ko . live .
  2. News: Flores . Mikhail . Jerome Morales . Neil . July 25, 2024 . Oil spill threatens Philippines capital after tanker capsizes . July 25, 2024 . Reuters.
  3. News: July 26, 2024 . PhilSA releases map showing possible extent of Bataan oil spill . July 27, 2024 . GMA News . en . July 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727013100/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/914873/philsa-releases-map-showing-possible-extent-of-bataan-oil-spill/story/ . live .
  4. News: Gomez . Jim . July 25, 2024 . Philippine oil tanker sinks in Manila Bay, raising fears of a possible major spill near the capital . August 1, 2024 . . August 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240803103940/https://apnews.com/article/oil-tanker-manila-bay-philippine-spill-coast-guard-9e767eb9ddb8bbaf8d1e27972d2c1c5b . live .
  5. News: Moaje . Marita . July 26, 2024 . PCG braces for Bataan oil spill reaching Manila Bay . July 27, 2024 . . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153812/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229868 . live .
  6. Web site: Philippines in 'race against time' as oil tanker capsizes off Manila . July 25, 2024 . Al Jazeera . en . August 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809142107/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/25/philippines-races-to-contain-oil-spill-after-tanker-capsizes-in-manila-bay . live .
  7. News: July 28, 2024 . PCG finds diesel cargo in sunken MTKR Jason Bradley . July 28, 2024 . . July 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728092922/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/salvage-operations-mtkr-jason-bradley-commence-soon/ . live .
  8. News: Loreto . Russel . Another fuel tanker sinks in Manila Bay . July 29, 2024 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . July 29, 2024 . July 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240729015138/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1966839/another-fuel-tanker-sinks-in-manila-bay . live .
  9. News: Salvage of sunken tanker Jason Bradley off Mariveles might take two weeks . July 29, 2024 . GMA News . July 29, 2024 . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153705/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915153/salvage-of-sunken-tanker-jason-bradley-off-mariveles-might-take-2-weeks/story/ . live .
  10. News: August 1, 2024 . PCG identifies owner of 'abandoned' vessel in Mariveles, Bataan . August 1, 2024 . ABS-CBN.
  11. News: July 31, 2024 . Third vessel found leaking hazardous material off Bataan . July 31, 2024 . . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731060731/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915357/third-vessel-found-leaking-hazardous-material-off-bataan/story/ . live .
  12. News: July 31, 2024 . Another oil spill off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan; crew members of ship nowhere to be found . July 31, 2024 . . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731124035/https://news.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/7/31/vessel-runs-aground-off-the-coast-of-bataan-causing-another-oil-spill-1942 . live .
  13. News: August 8, 2024 . PCG: Bad weather caused sinking of 3 vessels . August 13, 2024 . The Philippine Star.
  14. Web site: July 27, 2024 . PH Space Agency releases map of possible oil spill extent in Manila Bay . July 27, 2024 . ABS-CBN . July 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240726233744/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/26/ph-space-agency-releases-map-of-possible-oil-spill-extent-in-manila-bay-2342 . live .
  15. Web site: Marita Moaje . July 26, 2024 . PCG braces for Bataan oil spill reaching Manila Bay . July 26, 2024 . www.pna.gov.ph . July 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727061252/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229868 . live .
  16. Web site: July 26, 2024 . Owner of MT Terranova taps Harbor Star to salvage tanker, help in oil spill cleanup . July 27, 2024 . Rappler . en-US . August 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809142109/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/owner-mt-terranova-taps-harbor-star-salvage-tanker-clean-oil-spill/ . live .
  17. News: Regani . Jose Cielito . Romualdez to colleagues: Help fisherfolk affected by oil spill . July 30, 2024 . July 30, 2024 . July 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730105405/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230077 . live .
  18. Web site: July 27, 2024 . Philippine Coast Guard Says Oil Leaking From Sunken Tanker . July 27, 2024 . Barron's . en-US . July 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728012353/https://www.barrons.com/news/philippine-coast-guard-says-oil-leaking-from-sunken-tanker-c4056795 . live .
  19. News: July 28, 2024 . Philippines delays recovery of sunken tanker's oil . July 28, 2024 . . July 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728092313/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/28/philippines-delays-recovery-of-sunken-tankers-oil-1557 . live .
  20. News: Mangaluz. Jean. Bataan oil spill may have reached Cavite already. July 29, 2024. The Philippine Star. July 29, 2024. July 29, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240729084418/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/07/29/2373860/bataan-oil-spill-may-have-reached-cavite-already-fisherfolk-group. live.
  21. Web site: July 29, 2024 . Oil spill off Bataan to affect parts of Cavite — Jonvic Remulla . July 29, 2024 . GMA News . en-US . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153705/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915101/oil-spill-off-bataan-to-affect-parts-of-cavite-jonvic-remulla/story/ . live .
  22. News: Gozum . Iya . Fishing banned in Limay, Bataan due to oil spill . July 30, 2024 . . July 30, 2024 . July 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730093222/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/fishing-ban-limay-bataan-oil-spill/ . live .
  23. News: Gozum . Iya . First came the rain. Then the oil spill. . August 2, 2024 . . August 2, 2024 . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153758/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/effects-livelihood-fisherfolk-oil-spills-bataan-cavite-july-2024/ . live .
  24. News: Cielito Reganit . Jose . 30 July 2024 . Romualdez to colleagues: Help fisherfolk affected by oil spill . 31 July 2024 . Philippine News Agency . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153911/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230077 . live .
  25. Jacinto, G.S., Velasquez, I.B., San Diego-McGlone, M.L., Villanoy, C.L. and Siringan, F.B.(2006)."Biophysical Environment of Manila Bay - Then and Now", in Wolanski, E.(ed.)The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours. Springer: Dordrecht, Netherlands. p. 293-307.
  26. News: Rita . Joviland . State of calamity declared in 8 Cavite towns due to oil spill . July 31, 2024 . . July 31, 2024 . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731035154/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915340/state-of-calamity-declared-in-8-cavite-towns-due-to-oil-spill/story/ . live .
  27. News: Fish from waters affected by Bataan oil spill not safe for human consumption – BFAR . August 1, 2024 . . August 1, 2024 . August 1, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801124728/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915577/fish-from-waters-affected-by-bataan-oil-spill-not-safe-for-human-consumption-bfar/story/ . live .
  28. News: BFAR: Fish from oil spill-affected areas, except Cavite, now safe to eat . August 13, 2024 . . August 13, 2024 .
  29. News: Bataan placed under state of calamity anew due to oil spills . August 2, 2024 . . August 6, 2024 . August 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240806153913/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/916071/bataan-oil-spill-state-of-calamity/story/ . live .
  30. News: OCD: Oil spill affects over 350K people in Cavite; nearly P18M income lost daily . August 2, 2024 . . August 2, 2024 . August 2, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240802163708/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915643/ocd-oil-spill-affects-over-350k-people-in-cavite-nearly-p18m-income-lost-daily/story/ . live .
  31. News: Gozum . Iya . Fisherfolk income loss due to Bataan oil spill now at P78 million – DA . August 8, 2024 . . August 8, 2024 . August 8, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240808090902/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bataan-oil-spill-cost-damage-fisheries-department-agriculture-august-7-2024/ . live .
  32. News: Tan . Maria . LOOK: Oil spill from MTKR Terranova reaches Manila Bay . August 1, 2024 . ABS-CBN. August 1, 2024.
  33. News: July 27, 2024 . Marcos leads aerial inspection of Bataan oil spill, Carina aftermath . July 27, 2024 . . July 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727084911/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/27/look-marcos-leads-aerial-inspection-of-bataan-oil-spill-carina-aftermath-1248 . live .
  34. News: Miguel . Janine . July 27, 2024 . Race on to contain Bataan oil spill . July 28, 2024 . . July 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727124255/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/27/news/race-on-to-contain-bataan-oil-spill/1959994 . live .
  35. News: Annabelle Liang . Philippines 'prepares for worst' after oil spill . 28 July 2024 . BBC . 26 July 2024 . August 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809142229/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd1ejnz420xo . live .
  36. News: Argosino. Faith. PH Coast Guard battles Bataan oil spill mess with coconut husk boom. July 29, 2024. July 29, 2024. July 29, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240729085620/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1966995/ph-coast-guard-battles-bataan-oil-spill-mess-with-coconut-husk-boom. live.
  37. News: July 27, 2024 . Philippine coast guard says oil leaking from sunken tanker . July 27, 2024 . . July 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727090436/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/27/philippine-coast-guard-says-oil-leaking-from-sunken-tanker-1429 . live .
  38. News: Gomez . Jim . July 25, 2024 . Philippine oil tanker sinks in Manila Bay, raising fears of a possible major spill near the capital . July 27, 2024 . . July 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240726155539/https://apnews.com/article/oil-tanker-manila-bay-philippine-spill-coast-guard-9e767eb9ddb8bbaf8d1e27972d2c1c5b . live .
  39. News: PCG: MT Terranova oil leak 'minimal' as 14 of 24 valves sealed. July 29, 2024. GMA Integrated News. July 29, 2024. July 29, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240729170110/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915086/pcg-mt-terranova-oil-leak-minimal-as-14-of-24-valves-sealed/story/. live.
  40. News: July 26, 2024 . Harbor Star tapped for oil spill response in Bataan . July 28, 2024 . portcalls.com . July 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728211433/https://www.portcalls.com/harbor-star-tapped-for-oil-spill-response-in-bataan/ . live .
  41. News: Ombay . Gisselle . July 28, 2024 . PCG confirms industrial fuel oil leak from sunken tanker . July 28, 2024 . . July 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240729013233/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/915020/pcg-confirms-industrial-fuel-oil-leak-from-sunken-tanker/story/ . live .
  42. News: FMangosing . Frances . Oil spill reaches Cavite; PCG seals ship's valves . July 30, 2024 . . Jul 30, 2024 . July 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730071855/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1967222/oil-spill-reaches-cavite-pcg-seals-ships-valves . live .
  43. News: Chavez . Chito . Donate hair, coconut husks to contain oil spill, DILG urges public . July 30, 2024 . . July 30, 2024 . July 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730074441/https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/30/donate-hair-coconut-husks-to-contain-oil-spill-dilg-urges-public . live .
  44. News: Gozum . Iya . DENR: Over 500 hectares of mangroves in Manila Bay may be affected by oil spill . August 14, 2024 . . August 14, 2024.
  45. News: Iya . Chito . Coast Guard starts oil recovery operations for MV Mirola 1 . August 1, 2024 . . August 1, 2024 . August 1, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801060933/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/coast-guard-oil-recovery-operations-mv-mirola-bataan/ . live .
  46. News: Rita . Joviland . PCG takes MV Mirola 1 into custody, summons owner . August 16, 2024 . . August 16, 2024.
  47. News: Rita . Joviland . PCG: MTKR Terranova siphoning moved to 'not later than 2 weeks' . August 1, 2024 . . August 1, 2024 . August 1, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801124505/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/915525/pcg-mtkr-terranova-siphoning/story/ . live .
  48. News: Rita . Joviland . MTKR Terranova oil spill siphoning underway —PCG . August 13, 2024 . . August 13, 2024.
  49. News: PCG: Oil sheen from MTKR Terranova contained . August 5, 2024 . . August 5, 2024 . August 5, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240805024732/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/5/pcg-oil-sheen-from-mtkr-terranova-contained-1016 . live .
  50. News: Casucian . Jiselle Anne . Siphoning for MTKR Jason Bradley oil leakage begins . August 10, 2024 . . August 10, 2024 .
  51. News: Macairan . Evelyn . Sunken motor tanker partially afloat – PCG . August 13, 2024 . . August 13, 2024.
  52. News: Rita . Joviland . PCG: Grounded MV Mirola 1 floated, to be towed to safer area . August 22, 2024 . . August 22, 2024.
  53. News: Datu . Dennis . MTKR Terranova owner says not engaged in illegal activities . August 5, 2024 . ABS-CBN. August 5, 2024.
  54. News: Casilao . Joahna Lei . Tankers in Bataan oil spill probed for smuggling . August 13, 2024 . GMA News. August 13, 2024.
  55. News: Seizure order issued vs. MTKR Jason Bradley in April 2022, BOC document shows . August 13, 2024 . GMA News. August 13, 2024.
  56. News: Senate panel subpoenas MTKR Jason Bradley, MV Mirola 1 owners . August 14, 2024 . GMA News. August 14, 2024.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2024 Manila Bay oil spill".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.