Mindoro Oriental oil spill expected to reach Calapan waters in 3 days

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

By Gabriela Baron

Experts from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) reported that the oil spill from the sunken ship in Oriental Mindoro is expected to reach the shorelines of Calapan in three days.

Based on UPMSI’s latest satellite image, it reported that “the oil is still leaking out” of the sunken MT Princess Empress.

“Oil spill trajectories for March 16 [to] 22 show a northward shift with Calapan possibly receiving most of the oil from March 20 [to] 22,” UPMSI said.

“Westward currents along the coast of northern Mindoro towards the Verde Island Passage are forecasted to be more pronounced for this period,” it added.

UPMSI said the “amihan” winds, which allowed most of the oil to the coasts of Naujan and Pola in Oriental Mindoro “are now more variable, allowing the oil to spread northwards.”

UPMSI stressed that it is “critical” to stop the seepage before the end of the “amihan” season, otherwise “more critical biodiversity areas” along the Verde Island Passage may be affected.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil before it capsized in the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28.

The oil also reached the shorelines of at least nine municipalities in Oriental Mindoro as well as some parts of Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Palawan. – cf

Popular

Sharp decline in June 2025 food inflation, proof that gov’t interventions work — DEPDev

By Brian Campued The Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to “boost local production, improve logistics, and implement calibrated trade and biosecurity measures” have helped tame food...

TD Bising intensifies; Wind Signal No. 1 up in extreme Northern Luzon

By Brian Campued Tropical Depression Bising slightly intensified over the sea west of extreme Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said Friday. In its 11:00 a.m....

WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for July 4 due to heavy rains

Classes in the following areas have been suspended on Friday, July 4, due to the impact of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the...

PBBM to study DILG Sec. Remulla’s request to declare class suspensions

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Thursday assured Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will...