By Gabriela Baron
Possible oil slicks were detected near Coron, Palawan, according to the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI).
Citing the latest report of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), UPMSI said satellite images taken April 1 showed the detection of possible oil slicks near Coron, about 12 kilometers off the Palawan municipality.
“As of now, it is undetermined if the slicks in the area possibly drifted from the location of the sunken tanker, MT Princess Empress in Mindoro, or from other sources,” UPMSI said.
“During the time the image was taken, weaker winds were noted, making it highly possible for thicker slicks to form due to less breakage from calmer waves,” it added.
UPMSI said the slicks observed were measured at about 19 kilometers (km) in length and about 3 km in width. – cf