The Philippine Coast Guard is now racing against time to contain the possible leak of some 3,000 liters of oil off the Manila South Harbor as a result of the collision between a cargo ship and a foreign utility vessel on Thursday, July 8.

The recent inspection disclosed that oil sheens have already been detected in the area.

A cargo vessel MV Palawan Pearl and foreign utility vessel BKM 104 collided in South Harbor Anchorage area on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the PCG)

PCG reports revealed that the collision occurred at around 2 a.m. between the MV Palawan Pearl and foreign utility vessel BKM 104.

The incident left MV Palawan Pearl resting half-submerged in the area, which had 3,000 liters of diesel oil in its oil storage.

The Coast Guard said the foreign utility vessel BKM 104, registered under the flag of Cyprus, was contracted to conduct dredging and other land development activities in the implementation of the New Manila Airport.

Personnel of the PCG Marine Environmental Protection Command have started to lay four segments of oil spill booms around the cargo ship to control the spread of possible oil spill.

A cargo vessel MV Palawan Pearl and foreign utility vessel BKM 104 collided in South Harbor Anchorage area on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the PCG)

A cargo vessel MV Palawan Pearl and foreign utility vessel BKM 104 collided in South Harbor Anchorage area on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the PCG)

The PCG’s BRP Panglao (FPB-2402) and Station Manila personnel are currently conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the collision of the cargo vessel and utility boat.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard notified the MV Palawan Pearl and BKM 104 to file a marine protest in connection with the incident.

No crew members and passengers were reportedly injured during the incident.

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