PCG: No threat from oil found near partially sunken vessel

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – A thin film of oil was found in the waters off the Calapan City port in Oriental Mindoro where the stricken roll-on roll-off vessel MV Baleno 168 partially sank, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

However, the PCG said the oil, spotted by its regional Marine Environmental Protection Unit, did not pose any serious threat to the environment.

Latest PCG reports revealed that MV Baleno 168, owned by Besta Shipping Lines, was loaded with at least 2,450 liters of diesel in its day tanks and 9,125 liters of low sulfur fuel in its port and starboard tanks when it encountered engine trouble last Jan. 31.  

The vessel, according to the PCG, also had 227 liters of lubricant oil and 500 liters of sludge, apart from at least 18 rolling cargoes, at the time of the incident.

The PCG expressed fear that if strong winds and strong current prevail, the vessel “may capsize and oil spill may occur.”

All 50 passengers of the ship, aside from its crewmen, were rescued after the ship encountered engine trouble as it was sailing toward the Calapan City pier.

The PCG said an underwater survey found a thin film of oil but this dissolved immediately. 

The PCG-Calapan, together other units of the agency and the police, has set up an outpost to monitor the vessel, which is still listed at 50 degrees to starboard while lying on the sandy portion of the port.