Coastguard: No Oil From Capsized Vessel
2012-01-02 13:37:57 - Spill International
The Philippine Coastguard in Aparri has assured residents in both the town itself and its neighboring coastal municipalities that there is no spill so far from the capsized Chinese vessel MV Chang Da 216. The Coast Guard has been monitoring the capsized vessel's condition without seeing signs of an oil spill or any cause of danger to marine life. If the vessel is to stay in the area for another couple of weeks, however, the chance remains that oil might leak.A letter has been sent to the operator of the vessel requesting them to remove it from the sea as it may cause danger to marine resources as well as to the lives of people living near the area; until now, no response has been received.
If the operator does not respond, the coastguard will remove the cargo ship through a salvage company to ensure that it will not create danger.
The vessel capsized on 10th December 2011 when the ship's captain insisted on travelling despite a gale warning having been issued by the disaster council. It was loaded with black sand destined for China, with 15 foreign nationals and four Filipinos on board. One Chinese national died and another one is missing.
