The local government of Banton, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has taken proactive measures to address the potential oil spill from the grounded MV Maria Helena in Banton Island, Romblon.
Following confirmation of the spill by the Philippine Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Group, efforts were immediately initiated to contain the situation. An oil spill boom has been installed near the vessel to prevent the spread of oil.
PCG and the crew from Montenegro Shipping Lines conducted a cleanup operation, manually scooping up oily-water mixture at the aft of the ship. Four drums of the mixture were recovered during the operation.
The LGU of Banton is closely monitoring the situation and actively participating in minimizing the potential environmental impact on the island.
Gaywaneth Musico, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, emphasized the importance of preventing the oil from reaching mangrove areas and protected areas, highlighting their commitment to environmental preservation.
On Sunday, MV Maria Helena ran aground and tilted on the shoreline of Barangay Nasunongan in Banton Island. The incident occurred after a truck on board the ship experienced a tire blowout, causing a shift in its position. Subsequently, other rolling cargoes were displaced when their securing ropes snapped.
