[environment] solar 1 tanks ready to rupture

The sinking of the Solar 1 last week is soon to become a major environmental disaster [see earlier article].

The tanker with 10 tanks, each of 50 000 litres, of which the first has already ruptured and the others are just biding their time.

A disaster official admitted Saturday that Philippine authorities have no capability to refloat the sunken ship off Guimaras province fearing that the country's worst-ever oil spill will affect the province for years.

Chief Superintendent Geary Barias, chairman of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council said at least 200 liters have already spilled out of the sunken tanker, affecting three towns and 14,000 people. Authorities said the ship's 10 tanks carrying 500,000 gallons of bunker fuel might rupture if it is not retrieved immediately.

This is not a minor spillage but what can a humble blogger do to bring it to people’s attention? And what can we do about it?

This is precisely the question that the main players in the area are also asking each other and meanwhile the slick spreads.

Petron Corp., which chartered the tanker, said the company does not have the capability to retrieve the sunken ship. The ship is still lying in the sea floor off Guimaras.

The company said the liability rests with the owner of Solar 1, Sunshine Maritime, "which is why [the ship] is covered by insurance for an event like this."

"However, we, in Petron, feel a moral responsibility to extend every assitance that we can to the province of Guimaras . We are committed to stay and help in the province as long as necessary," Petron spokeswoman Virginia Ruivivar said in a statement

Well, that’s just wonderful. Giving aid to a province whilst your tanker is rusting and preparing to rupture with the other 450 000 litres.