Another vessel containing diesel fuel oil ran aground on Wednesday, following the sinking of two others in Bataan this month.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) report, the MV Mirola 1 was found almost tilted to its side along the waters of Mariveles, Bataan. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said nobody was found on board upon its discovery.
The MV Mirola’s discovery came three days after the sinking of Motor Tanker (MTKR) Jason Bradley in the same area. However, details on the origin and destination of the former remain unknown, as the team has yet to find its owner.
Before its sinking, the operatives said that personnel from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) attempted to get samples from the oil tankers it carried, but decided not to push through, as it could cause it to leak.
During the PCG’s drone aerial surveillance and shoreline assessment on Thursday, minimal oil sheens and the light smell of diesel oil within the area were observed; The team also collected samples for the water sampling analysis.
Moreover, during the recovery operation, the oil from inside the tanker was retrieved manually by the PCG personnel. It was then put inside a drum and will be taken to a waste disposal facility to protect the residents’ health.
The MV Mirola is the third vessel to cause an oil leak in Bataan this July, following the sinking of MV Terranova and the MTKR Jason Bradley.
