USCG assists PH in Mindoro oil spill response

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is assisting the Philippines in its response to the massive oil spill in Mindoro.

A US C-17 aircraft carrying equipment has arrived at Subic Air Base, and another C-5 is expected, with additional air assets scheduled to arrive later in the week.

Motor tanker Princess Empress, carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, sank on February 28 due to strong waves.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated the tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, too deep for divers.

The oil spill could cause a lower fish output, but not a nationwide shortage, according to the Bureau of Fishers and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

At least 61 tourist sites have been affected, and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) warned that the spill could reach northern Palawan and threaten over 36,000 hectares of marine habitat.