By Gabriela Baron
An oil sheen was found in Tubbataha waters in Palawan where a dive yacht capsized, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Monday, May 1.
A trace of oil sheen was monitored by the PCG in Tubbataha around 5:00 p.m. Sunday.
However, PCG said that after BRP Melchora Aquino assessed the area around 6:300 p.m. Sunday, where a trace of oil sheen was found, it yielded a negative result.
“BRP Melchora Aquino reported that there was no trace of oil sheen in the vicinity waters off Tubbataha,” PCG said.
M/Y Dream Keeper sank off Palawan waters on Sunday where 32 individuals were on board the yacht. Of the figure, 15 were crew members, 12 were passengers or guests, and five were drive masters.
Search and rescue operations are underway for the four persons missing, including a Chinese national who reportedly owns the motor yacht.
Located in Palawan, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to a great diversity of marine life. The reef ecosystems support over 360 species of coral and almost 700 species of fish. – ag
