402 packs of endosulfan retrieved from capsized vessel as operations end Sunday

MANILA, Oct. 6 (PNA) -- The retrieval of toxic pesticide endosulfan ended on Sunday as divers from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and two salvaging firms have already retrieved the entire 402 packs of toxic pesticide endosulfan from the capsized M/V Princess of the Stars.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Elena Bautista said the retrieval operations for the endosulfan ended Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m. She said they estimated that the retrieval operations will be finished within 12-16 days since it started on Sept. 30. But the operations was over in six days.

Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, said the divers from PCG and the salvaging firms Titan Maritime Inc. and Harbor Star managed to remove the entire 402 packs of endosulfan from the capsized vessel

He said the divers will start the retrieval of Bayer from the vessel. After retrieving the Bayer, the divers will then get the crude oil, before getting the remains of the crews and passengers trapped inside the capsized vessel.

The PCG, US-based salvor firm Titan and its local partner Harbor Star have started retrieving endosulfan from the wreck last Sept. 30.

Bautista said each pack weighs 25 kilos. The retrieved packs are sealed in steel drums once onboard the Big Time barge.

“Then we will retrieve the Bayer, then the crude oil from the capsized vessel. Our deadline is Oct. 19,” said Tamayo.

DOTC Undersecretary and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) officer-in-charge Bautista explained the divers and those receiving the containers on the barge are wearing hazmat (hazardous materials) suits. The divers tapped to do the task are trained in handling toxic substances and they follow strict decontamination procedures after each dive or handling of the chemical.

“The plan now is to remove all toxic chemicals as fast and as safe as possible. Simultaneously, procedures are in motion to remove the bunker fuel estimated at 250 tons. We have to ensure the safety of personnel working in the area,” she said.

With regards to the extraction of hydrocarbons or bunker fuel, six flanges have been attached to different fuel tanks. Two to four more flanges may have to be attached. The next step is to bore holes in each flange and hot tap the bunker fuel from different tanks simultaneously.

“Removing the hydrocarbons may take a few more days, depending on the weather condition. A great part of the wreck is submerged, which means waves and visibility will be factors in the operation. Rest assured that the salvors contracted by Sulpicio Lines are working as fast as practicable,” she said.