PCG: Over 97% of MTKR Terranova oil recovered, over 37K liters lost

The recovery rate of oil from sunken motor tanker Terranova in Limay, Bataan was only 97.43% as 55,512 liters of its oil cargo were lost, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday.

In a statement, the PCG said this was based on the final inspection at ground zero that was conducted on Thursday.

Citing the report of contracted salvor Harbor Star, the PCG said a total of 1,415,954 liters of oil and 17,725 kilograms of solid oily waste were recovered from the sunken motor tanker.

Harbor Star said “the remaining 37,867 liters, accounting for 2.57% of the total oil cargo, were lost due to various factors such as biodegradation, dissipation, absorption by sorbent booms, and unpumpable sludge left in the tanks.”

The salvor also conducted the final stripping operation to ensure that the cargo oil tanks were empty for the upcoming salvage operation of MTKR Terranova, according to the PCG. 

“The said procedure is essential to confirm the removal of residual oil and to prevent leakage or oil contamination for the upcoming salvage operation,” the PCG said.

One crew member died and 16 others were rescued after MTKR Terranova capsized and sank 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point in Limay on July 25.

Aside from MTKR Terranova, the PCG also responded to the sunken MTKR Jason Bradley and grounded MV Mirola 1 in Bataan.

Due to the impact of the oil spill, a state of calamity was declared in the entire province of Bataan as well as in nine cities and towns in Cavite. —KBK, GMA Integrated News