Philippine authorities are searching for a tanker that sank Tuesday after encountering engine damage in rough seas off the coast of Oriental Mindoro province. The Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of fuel oil and diesel and leaked some of its cargo into Canadian waters. The Coast Guard initially stated that it was only the diesel fuel that was leaking from the ship, but water sample analysis showed that heavy fuel oil had also leaked.
Catastrophic consequences for marine life
The spill spread over an area of 24 square kilometers of water on Wednesday, according to the Coast Guard. Authorities are working to contain the oil slick by deploying booms and spraying chemicals to break down the oil. However, the consequences for the rich marine life and coral reefs of the region could be disastrous.
Fishermen and tourist operators on the coast rely heavily on the waters and their livelihoods could be threatened. Fish sanctuaries along the coast could be affected, while oil could settle on coral reefs, causing damage to marine biodiversity.
Local authorities said a search was still underway for the sunken tanker, which is believed to be 460 meters below sea level, to stop the leak. The Coast Guard assured that they were ready to siphon off the oil as soon as they identified the location of the vessel.
Affected villages
Part of the spills washed up on the shores of at least two villages in Naujan and one in the municipality of Pola. Local residents are concerned about the impact on the environment and local livelihoods. Employees at a resort south of Pola expressed concern that the waves would not wash the spill into the surrounding waters.
The governor of the province of Mindoro Oriental, Humerlito Dolor, declared this situation a “major ecological disaster”. The authorities are mobilized to try to limit the damage and safeguard the environment.
