Sta. Praxedes, Claveria Fear Oil Contamination

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte (Nov. 2) – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) authorities proceeded immediately to the coastal towns of Sta. Praxedes and Claveria, Cagayan to validate reports that suspected oil spill from MV Nam Yang shipwreck here has allegedly contaminated the sea water there.

The ill-fated Korean vessel had been abandoned by its crew as it marooned off Barangay Balaoi, this town since January this year due to storm.

PCG inspection report showed over 5,000 to 10,000 liters bunker fuel spill had threatened more than five kilometer-radius of Pagudpud’s shoreline.

Owing to this problem, the salvor Royal Jessan virtually raced against time to siphon the remaining 160,000 liters of oil from the ship bunker.

Residents of said Cagayan towns expressed fear that their coastline may also suffer what Pagudpud is now enduring due to the oil spill if the contamination spreads to their nautical borders.

However, initial test on the water samples taken from Sta. Praxedes shows that the result was negative.

PCG probers said that more water samples will be tested to make sure that this area is free from contamination.

At press time, more than 25,000 liters of oil stocks have already been siphoned from the ship wreckage amid strong winds and heavy rains during the past few days. (EDG)