RECOVERY OPS. A tugboat attached to the partially afloat MTKR Jason Bradley during recovery operations on Monday (Aug. 12, 2024) in waters off Barangay Cabcaben in Mariveles, Bataan. Oil recovery operations for its cargo of 5,500 liters of oil are expected to begin once the vessel is secured in the nearest shoreline. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – One of the sunken oil tankers in Bataan province is now partially afloat and will soon be transferred to the nearest shoreline to begin oil siphoning.
In a situation update on Monday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Lt. Commander Michael John Encina said ongoing seawater siphoning from MTKR Jason Bradley has resulted in the vessel being partially afloat.
“The contracted salvor will then move the vessel to the nearest safe shoreline, where the siphoning of 5,500 liters of diesel oil on board will occur,” Encina said.
The operation is part of the ongoing salvage operations on MTKR Jason Bradley in the waters of Barangay Cabcaben in Mariveles, Bataan.
On Saturday, four PCG Special Operations Force divers conducted underwater operations to secure the vessel for the planned oil recovery operation.
On July 27, MTKR Jason Bradley sank to a depth of nine meters, resting on a muddy sea floor around 600 yards away from the nearest shoreline.
The vessel is one of three oil tankers, the other two are MT Terranova and MV Mirola, that sank or ran aground in the waters of Bataan in July. (PNA)
