BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City—The sinking of a tugboat during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine along Muelle Loney here has caused a diesel fuel spill in the the Iloilo River, affecting an estimated 262 meters of the water’s surface.
Approximately 200 liters of diesel leaked, creating an oil sheen in the area, according to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Office.
The Philippine Coast Guard – Iloilo Station immediately conducted an assessment and monitoring by the Maritime Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU).
The PCG then coordinated with the International Builders Corporation (IBC), the tugboat’s owner, which also provided its boom truck and lifted the submerged tugboat.
In response to the diesel spill, authorities deployed a spill boom to contain and prevent the fuel from spreading further across the Iloilo River.
This boom acts as a barrier, limiting the movement of the oil sheen and aiding in its eventual cleanup. The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Office is also coordinating efforts to minimize environmental damage and expedite the recovery of the affected water area.
For his part, Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard, Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Urban Search and Rescue Unit, Philippine National Police, and other involved agencies in managing the submerged tugboat on October 27.
Treñas emphasized that safety is paramount, noting that all necessary measures were taken to safeguard the Iloilo River from further contamination.
Environmental experts have assessed the situation, assuring the public that the residual diesel does not pose a significant hazard.
The mayor said the city government is committed to ongoing monitoring to ensure the river’s protection and to address any emerging concerns promptly.
“We also urge all tugboat owners to secure their vessels properly to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Treñas said./PN
