The oil spill from sunken motor tanker Terranova in Bataan may reach the coasts of Bulacan and Cavite, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) said.
The bulletin, issued on Sunday evening, is based on the forecast of UP MSI with the help of concerned government agencies on the weather patterns and conditions including wind direction.
“The model shows possible transport northwards to Bulacan confirmed by oil slick sightings, from the slick observed on July 26, 2024 5:40AM by [the Philippine Space Agency],” the UP MSI statement reads.
“Considering the continuous release of oil from the tanker, coastal areas of Cavite City may also be affected with the eastward change of forecasted winds today, July 28, 2024,” it added.
However, UP MSI noted that models should be used with caution as they have some levels of uncertainty due to assumptions and limitations.
The UP MSI said models are produced to inform the public on the potential direction of the oil spill and help direct response measures on the ground.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) released a map on Friday showing the potential size of the oil spill from the sunken tanker off the coast of Bataan.
It includes the tanker’s location as well as a satellite image of the oil leak that was taken at 5:40 a.m., PhilSA said, adding that the slick covers an area of 14.4 square kilometers.
