ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — The local government of Banton and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) took action to address the potential oil spill from the grounded MV Maria Helena in Banton Island.
A team from the Philippine Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Group (PCG-MEPG) confirmed the spill after seawater entered the vessel’s bilge tank.
Together with the crew of Montenegro Shipping Lines, they conducted a cleanup operation, manually scooping up four drums of oily-water mixture at the aft of the ship.
The PCG MEPG also observed oil sheens outside the vessel, which quickly dispersed and evaporated.
Banton LGU is also closely monitoring the situation and actively working to minimize any potential environmental impact on the island.
“We have already held a meeting with the different government agencies involved in this situation, including the barangay officials of Nasunogan. We are preparing indigenous oil spill booms to be installed near the vessel,” said Gaywaneth Musico from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer.
Musico emphasized the importance of preventing the oil from reaching mangrove areas and protected areas, highlighting the need to take all necessary measures to protect the environment.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) of the involved vessel until further notice. The vessel will undergo a thorough safety inspection to determine its seaworthiness before the suspension is lifted.
On Sunday, MV Maria Helena ran aground and tilted on the shoreline of Barangay Nasunongan in Banton Island while carrying 93 passengers and 36 crew members.
The crew of Montenegro Shipping Lines conducts a cleanup operation, manually scooping up four drums of oily-water mixture at the aft of the M/V Maria Helena. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard)
The incident occurred after a truck on board experienced a tire blowout, causing it to shift to the side of the vessel. This resulted in the displacement of other rolling cargoes when their securing ropes snapped.
Immediate rescue operations were conducted by Coast Guard personnel, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Rescued passengers were later transported to Tablas Island, Romblon by another vessel operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa-Romblon)
The M/V Maria Theresa of Montenegro Shipping Lines has arrived in Banton, Romblon to take the passengers of the capsized M/V Maria Helena to Barangay Nasunugan, Banton Island. (Photo courtesy of Romblon News Network)
