Image Source: OIL SPILL composite image from Inquirer
Manila Bay is facing a severe environmental crisis as an oil spill from three sunken vessels — MT Terranova, MTKR Jason Bradley, and MV Mirola 1 — continues to spread, contaminating the waters of Cavite, Bulacan, and Bataan. Authorities are issuing urgent warnings about the severe health risks posed by exposure to the toxic spill, which has already impacted local communities.
Government agencies, environmental organizations, and health authorities are ramping up their efforts to contain the escalating crisis. However, the public is being strongly urged to take preventive measures to protect themselves from the hazardous effects of the spill.
An international ocean protection and conservation group has highlighted the grave threat the spill poses to the environment, as well as the health and livelihood of those living in the affected areas. The situation worsened on July 27, 2024, when the MTKR Jason Bradley, anchored off the coast of Bataan, sank nine meters deep near Barangay Cabcaben in Mariveles — just 600 yards from shore. The vessel, carrying 5,500 liters of diesel, sank during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina, despite initial claims by the shipping company that there was no fuel cargo onboard.
The latest incident occurred on July 31, 2024, when the MV Mirola 1 ran aground in shallow waters off the coast of Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan — also in Mariveles — causing the ship to tip over, further exacerbating the environmental disaster.
SOURCE: INQUIRER.NET
