The Philippine Coast Guard is currently battling against time to contain an oil spill from the MT Terra Nova, a ship that capsized during monsoon rains, threatening to reach the capital city of Manila. The spill, which is believed to be coming from the ship’s engine, not its cargo tank, poses a significant threat to the marine environment and fishing industry in the area.
With close to 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel on board, the spill could potentially be the worst in the country’s history if not contained promptly. The coast guard has deployed floating barriers and suction hoses to contain the spill, but fears remain high about the potential impact on marine life and the economy.
Experts warn that the spill could paralyze the capital and neighboring areas, as Manila Bay is a crucial hub for trade and economic activities in the Philippines. The cleanup operation is estimated to take a week, with concerns raised about the shallow terrain making it easier to siphon oil from the sea compared to deeper waters.
The incident has raised questions about the safety regulations for ships traveling in heavy weather, as the MT Terra Nova was found to have met regulations but still capsized during the storm. Advocacy groups are calling for accountability from all parties involved in the incident to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the cleanup operation continues, the Philippine government and environmental agencies are urged to assess the environmental impact of the spill and take necessary measures to protect the marine ecosystem and livelihoods of those affected.
