Asia/Pacific News
Filipino Officials Fear Bunker Spill After Barge Grounding
The Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is reported to be monitoring a barge that recently ran aground, fearing an oil spill, Filipino media reports.
The barge, Brian, is said to have been carrying 6,705 tonnes of coal when it ran aground, but officials were said to be more concerned about a possible leak of marine fuel.
"We are more concerned about a possible oil spill because bunker fuel would do a lot more damage than coal," said Jonathan Bulos, acting Director at DENR.
"But so far, our staff there [in Antique] have not alerted us to any oil spill."
Brian, is believed to have run aground last Tuesday, while en route to Cebu, as it attempted to shelter at Barangay Balud, Antique, from a tropical storm.
A tug, M/T Benny, attempted to assist the barge but also grounded during what the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) described as "strong winds and big waves towards the shoreline of [Barangay Balud]."
Brian's 12 crew were able to swim to shore, but only seven of eight crew aboard Benny survived.
"An initial investigation [is now being] conducted on the grounding of the barge," said Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje.
"No oil spill was observed but traces of coal were observed in the water."
Paje also said the barge owner would be liable for any clean up costs and may be found in violation of the Clean Water Act, which carries penalties.
In December a cruise ship ran aground in the Philippines after taking a diversion in search of bunkers.
