On July 30, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted an aerial survey and found minimal and barely noticeable oil sheens along the shorelines of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite.
The Philippine-flagged Motor Tanker (MT) TerraNova, capsized and submerged 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, at approximately 1:10 AM on 25 July 2024. The distressed vessel, en route to Iloilo, was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil (IFO).
According to the Coast Guard, reports on social media showing extensive oil sheen were deemed unrepresentative of the actual situation observed from the air. The most significant oil sheen was detected at the site where the MT Terranova sank.
In ongoing recovery efforts, the contracted salvor, Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., performed diving operations to seal 24 valves. The PCG deployed BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) and BRP Malamawi (FPB-2403) to assist local government officials, including Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III, in conducting an after-sea survey. This survey corroborated earlier findings, noting minimal oil slicks in the nearby waters.
Additionally, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) conducted water sampling in various locations, including Pasay City (Mall of Asia), Cavite, Bulacan, and Bataan, to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the waters in those areas.
