Death toll rises to 63 chemical, rough seas hit retrieval

CEBU, Philippines - Rough seas, strong current, and chemical dispersant used to contain oil spill from the sunken MV Saint Thomas Aquinas are affecting the search, rescue, and retrieval operations of the remaining unaccounted passengers and crew.

Neil Sanchez, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, confirmed yesterday that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and technical divers have to suspend their operations from time-to-time.

Technical divers continue their operation yesterday hoping to retrieve more bodies inside the sunken vessel. But, Sanchez said the operation was suspended before noon due to rough seas and chemical dispersant.

“Because of this condition, we also have to consider the safety of our divers. According to the assessment dive team, it is already a health hazard,” said Sanchez.

As of yesterday, there were already 63 fatalities accounted. More bodies were retrieved during the first dive early morning yesterday while other bodies were reportedly washed ashore in the town of Cordova.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide, III said that 57 remain missing while rescued passengers and crew members remain at 750.

Meanwhile, Davide went to the municipality of Cordova yesterday to assess the damage of the oil spill. He said that the company hired by 2GO group is continuously doing its best to contain the oil spill through the chemical dispersant.

Oil spill coming from the sunken is gradually spreading towards Cordova area.

Based on the recent assessment, Davide said that the oil has spread from within the area where the ship sank towards the said town, some parts of Mactan and Talisay City.

2GO group has hired Malayan towage and Salvage Corporation to stop the spread of the oil, said Davide.

He added that 2GO has engaged the services of experts to survey the area in Cordova which will recommend other measures to prevent further spread of the oil to the other towns and provinces.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has sent four platoons to place absorbents in the seawaters of Cordova to help control the oil spill, Davide said.

“Among hangyo gihapon is for us to gather indigenous materials,” said Davide, adding that they are still asking for help from the public who can donate materials that can be used to absorb oil like human hair, chicken feather and coconut husks.

In the meantime, Davide said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has been instructed to deliver food and canned goods to affected residents in Cordova who depend on fishing for their livelihood and for their meals.

Davide said they will also extend assistance to Talisay City specifically to coastal barangays.

The Department of Health (DOH) 7 has also sent teams to Cordova to disseminate information on the health hazards of oil contact. “We are doing proactive measures before people will get sick,” said Dr. Expedito Medalla, Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) coordinator.— (FREEMAN)