The oil spill caused by a cargo vessel that ran aground in the sea of Badoc, Ilocos Norte has been successfully contained through the coordinated efforts of government agencies, local authorities, and community volunteers, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

Ensign Aeron Paul Sotiangco, deputy commander of the Coast Guard Station Ilocos Norte, said the cargo vessel LCT/MV MSCI 1 was enroute from Omnico Port in Ilocos Norte to Calayan, Cagayan, carrying aggregates and 15 Filipino crew members when it was forced to conduct an emergency beaching on June 8 due to rough seas and adverse weather conditions.

“The captain decided to perform an emergency beaching to prevent the vessel from capsizing and ensure the crew’s safety. No fatalities were reported,” Sotiangco said.

Authorities traced the oil spill to excess oil from the vessel’s engine room, noting that the ship’s oil reserve tank remained intact and securely sealed.

Following the incident, the PCG, local government units, and residents immediately launched containment operations, deploying spill booms, absorbent pads, and other materials to prevent the oil from spreading further.

The cleanup effort resulted in the collection of approximately 80 liters of oil-contaminated waste on a 15-meter stretch of shoreline.

As of June 11, authorities reported that coastal waters in the affected area were visually free of oil sheen, and no fuel odor was detected, indicating that containment measures had been effective.

Despite the successful cleanup, water activities in the area remain prohibited as a precaution while monitoring and environmental assessment activities continue.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Badoc said assistance has been extended to 228 affected families to help mitigate the impact of the incident on their livelihood.

Medical consultations were also conducted to address possible health concerns related to the spill.

The PCG remains in close coordination with the vessel’s shipping company, which has hired a salvor firm to recover and relocate the stranded vessel.

Underwater inspections and recovery operations are expected to begin once sea conditions improve.