Light oil sheen spotted off Occ. Mindoro where Chinese vessel capsized
MANILA, Philippines — A light oil sheen was observed off Barangay Malawaan in Occidental Mindoro, where a Chinese vessel containing 25 crewmembers capsized, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In a report on Wednesday, PCG said the light sheen was accompanied by a “noticeable marine diesel odor.”
In line with this, the agency disclosed that they dispatched five segments (250 meters) of oil spill boom to mitigate the potential spread of any oil contamination.
READ: Sand carrier vessel capsizes off Occidental Mindoro; 1 dead, 10 missing
“Initial reports indicate the vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 liters of lube oil and 30,000 liters of automotive diesel oil,” PCG revealed.
“Given that diesel is classified as non-persistent, it is expected to dissipate naturally due to prevailing wind and wave conditions. At this time, no immediate environmental threat has been identified,” it added.
Aside from installing five segments of the oil spill boom, the PCG said BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, arrived at the site to assist with ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Special Operations Group started underwater inspection and search operations.
Earlier, the agency reported that Motor Vessel Hong Hai 16, a sand carrier vessel, capsized in the waters of Barangay Malaawan around 5:20 p.m. under moderate sea conditions. The ship contains 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese.
Before launching another search and rescue operation, the PCG said they already rescued 14 crew members—six Filipinos and eight Chinese—while one Chinese was found lifeless.
