NOVELETA, Cavite – Traces of the recent oil spill from the capsized MT Terra Nova have reached the shores of Long Beach, Noveleta, Cavite.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the spill extends about 3.7 kilometers and is being carried by strong currents towards various coastal areas in Cavite, including Naic, Ternate, and Tanza.
The MT Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized off the coast of Limay, Bataan, following days of heavy monsoon rains exacerbated by Typhoon Gaemi.
Efforts to contain the spill are underway, with the PCG employing floating barriers and siphoning methods. They are also collaborating with oil spill response organizations and local oil companies like Petron to mitigate the environmental impact.
Local fishermen have begun inspecting the contaminated debris washed ashore, concerned about the spill’s potential to devastate their livelihoods and marine life.
Environmental authorities are mapping affected ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangrove areas, to assess and address the damage.
The PCG’s response includes sealing the leaking valves of the tanker, a process expected to take a week. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is deploying a survey vessel to further investigate and manage the spill.
The recent incident echoes past oil spills in the Philippines, such as the 2023 Mindoro spill and the 2006 Guimaras disaster, which caused extensive environmental and economic damage.
The current priority remains containing the spill to prevent a larger ecological crisis in Manila Bay and surrounding areas.
