PCG  fears of worst oil spill in PH’s maritime history as tanker started to leak

THE Philippine Coast Guard said the oil tanker Terra Nova has started to leak raising fears of what may become the worst oil spill in the country’s maritime history.

The Terra Nova was carrying more than 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel when she sank in rough waters off Limay, Bataan on Thursday.

It is owned by Shogun Ships Co. Inc.

 “There is a minimal leak seen on the valve of the oil tanker, but it is not yet alarming,” said Rear Adm. Armand Balilo, spokesperson for the PCG.

But the “minimal leak,” Balilo conceded, has discharged enough industrial fuel to cover an area of 14.4 square kilometers from a slick 3.7 kilometers long on Thursday, according to the Philippine Space Agency.

Still, Balilo maintained that the leak was “manageable” since the cargo tank has remained intact.

 “Hopefully, it will stay like that until we can start siphoning tomorrow on Sunday,” he said, adding that the salvor was already in the area and was just awaiting the arrival of a “sister vessel” that would carry the recovered oil.

Balilo did not identify the PCG-contracted salvor, but the cargo is owned by SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Inc. and the ship is managed by Portavaga Ship Management, which took responsibility for the Terra Nova’s crew of 17, including one who was found dead in the bay hours after the sinking.