Philippines seeks international help as oil spill spreads

An aerial view shows the oil spill from the sunken fuel tanker MT Princess Empress on the shores of Pola, in Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines on Mar 8, 2023. (Photo: Reuters)

Hanoi (VNA) -  Philippine authorities said on March 10 that they had sought help from Japan and the US to contain and clean up an oil spill 10 days after a tanker sank.

The Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 litres of industrial fuel oil when it went down in rough seas off the central island of Mindoro.

The vessel is believed to be about 400m below the waves, but Philippine authorities have said the country does not have the capability to reach the wreckage and remove the oil.

Japan has sent coast guard personnel to the Philippines to support the investigation into the spill and guide the ongoing oil removal and control activities.

Diesel fuel and thick oil from the tanker have contaminated the waters and beaches of nine residental areas along the coast of Oriental Mindoro province, known for its rich marine life.

More than 2,500 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves and seaweed could be affected by the spill, according to the environment ministry. It is not known how much diesel and oil have leaked into the water.

The Philippine Coast Guard said on March 10 that it had found oil as far away as Casian Island, off the north coast of the western island of Palawan. That is about 350km southwest of where the tanker sank.

Residents and coast guard personnel have been removing oil-coated seaweed and other debris from affected beaches.

Thousands of fishermen have been ordered to stay on shore until they can fish safely, and swimming is also banned./.