Operations have started to transfer fuel oil from a tanker that sank in a typhoon off the Philippines at the end of July.
About 1.4m litres went down with the 1,415-dwt Terranova (built 2002) after it capsized in Manila Bay, off Limay, 40 km west of Manila, on 25 July.
The DPA news agency cited the coast guard as saying the fuel will be removed from eight tanks, each containing 175,000 litres.
An unknown quantity of oil was spilled, affecting local fishermen and coastal communities.
A salvage company began siphoning from the tanks on Tuesday after successfully opening valves, the coast guard’s Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina said.
The valves had been sealed by divers from Harbor Star Shipping Services in the aftermath of the typhoon to stop leaks.
“The safe working pressure during siphoning was maintained at a maximum of 0.15 bar,” Encina said.
“Approximately 300 litres of oil were transferred to a tank to test the equipment, with no leaks observed and minimal oiling effectively contained using one length of boom.
“Additional equipment is expected … to facilitate the next phase of oil transfer operations.”
Two other ships sank in the bay in the storm, adding to the pollution, which covered 84 square kilometres on 28 July, according to conservation group Oceana.
“The spill has already resulted in nearly PHP 1bn [$17.5m] in damages to the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and related industries,” Oceana said. “The long-term economic impact could be devastating if not addressed promptly.”
The Terranova is owned by Manila-based Shogun Ships Co.
It was trying to make it back to Limay with a tug escort when it began listing and then sank within a few hours.
One seafarer died but the other 16 crew members were rescued.
