PCG says Ilocos oil spill contained

BADOC, Ilocos Norte — Authorities have contained an oil leak from a cargo vessel that ran aground off Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa, here Monday, prompting a multi-agency environmental response operation along the coastal waters of Badoc.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel MV LCT MSCI 1 conducted an emergency beaching after developing a portside list amid rough sea conditions shortly after departing Onri Port bound for Calayan, Cagayan with a cargo of gravel.

Shortly after the incident, responders detected an oil sheen along the shoreline during inspection, prompting the immediate deployment of oil spill booms to prevent further spread of contaminants into nearby waters.

Authorities later recorded around 80 to 100 liters of oily water mixture covering a stretch of about 15 meters along the coast. Strong waves and shifting sea conditions briefly displaced containment equipment, prompting additional reinforcement using absorbent pads.

Personnel from the PCG, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 worked together to secure the area, recover contaminated materials, and ensure the spill remained contained.

The PCG said all oil-soaked absorbent materials have been collected and stored in designated drums for proper disposal, while coordination with the vessel’s owners continues for salvage operations and further environmental safeguards. — Artemio A. Dumlao