The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and PDRRMO-Bataan conducted drone aerial surveillance and shoreline assessment in the vicinity waters of Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan, Mariveles, Bataan, where MV Mirola 1 ran aground on July 31, 2024. Handout/Philippine Coast Guard/CG PO3 Domingo & CG ASW Facalarin/CGPAS and PDRRMO

BATAAN — Authorities have reported another oil spill after a marine vessel ran aground the shallow waters off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan. 

Marine Vessel Mirola-1 was found almost tilted to its side on Wednesday afternoon as personnel from the Bureau of Customs attempted to get samples from the oil tankers it carried. 

However, they decided not to push through with the plan to avoid possible leaks. 

PCG observes 'very minimal' oil sheen along Manila shoreline

Details of the origin and destination of Mirola-1 as well as the type of fuel it carries remain unknown. Authorities are also figuring out which agency will take custody of the case. 

ABS-CBN News was among the news outlets allowed onboard the rusted vessel. Around it, black oil slicks are already visible. 

In the middle of the vessel are two tankers tilted to their side. Right next to one of the tankers is an open access to the ocean, allowing crashing waves to enter and possibly bring with it oil as it retreats. 

The Philippine Coast Guard said their attention is still heavily focused on the sunken MT Terra Nova which brought down with it over a million liters of industrial fuel. 

Parts of Cavite under state of calamity due to oil spill

“Mirola Uno po contains diesel fuel oil. Diesel fuel oil is considered light type of oil which can dissipate kapag nasa dagat siya by natural weathering, so meaning po, sa init ng araw, alon, nawawala siya. But we do not say na hindi po natin ito inaaksyunan,” said Bataan oil spill response incident commander Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina,

M/V Mirola 1 is the third vessel to cause an oil leak in Bataan this month.