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Barge Ras, carrying debris recovered in the oil spill clean-up in Guimaras
Island, sank about 5 kilometers northeast of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental (Latitude 8-37.2
north, Longitude 123-46.2 east) on November 20, 11:10 p.m. Barge Ras was being towed by
Tugboat Vega to Lugait, Misamis Oriental when it sank due to rough seas.
The barge, which is owned and
operated by Harbor Star, was contracted to ship out debris from the Solar 1 oil spill and bring
it to Holcim Cement for treatment and disposal.
The composition
of the debris being carried by Ras is mostly sand and rocks contained in sacks. The debris
contains only traces of oil. It has been weathering for three months and is highly unlikely
to pose a danger to communities, shorelines or marine life.
Petron Health,
Safety and Environment Manager Carlos V. Tan said “We are taking charge of the response to
this incident. We are already monitoring the area and have mobilized the Waterborne Industry
Spill Equipment (W.I.S.E) to deal with any contingency. A tugboat is patrolling around the
sink site and so far, no oily sheen or debris has been seen on the surface.”
Defense Secretary
and National Disaster Coordinating Council Chairman Avelino Cruz has convened Taskforce Guimaras
to take up this matter.
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