Oil spill in Mandaue contained

Cebu, Philippines - The oil spill caused by the overturning of cargo ship M/V Maria Angelica Grace near the Cabahug wharf in Mandaue City Monday evening has been contained, the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) yesterday said.

 Engr. Annabeth Roble of EMB said the Coast Guard’s spill boom did the trick.

Philippine Coastguard station commander Winiel Azcuna said the ship carried 8,000 liters of diesel fuel but only 210 liters spilled and later scooped.

Under the law, an administrative fine of P10,000 is to be imposed for every 200 liters that has been spilled aside from other penalties under the fishery law.

Azcuna said ship owner Salvador Rapal is now negotiating with two salvagers for the retrieval of the tank and the ship.

MV Maria Angelica Grace was about to depart for Masbate when it listed before capsizing.

The cargo ship was loaded with hundreds of sacks of rice and sugar, furniture, and construction materials when it leaned to the left due to an uneven distribution of five ten-wheeler trucks loaded with cargo at the time. (FREEMAN)