PCG expects to finish early endosulfan retrieval

MANILA, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- Divers from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and two salvaging firms have already retrieved 346 packs of toxic pesticide endosulfan from the capsized M/V Princess of the Stars as they continued their retrieval operations.

Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, said as of 5 p.m. Saturday, the divers from PCG and salvaging firms Titan Maritime Inc. and Harbor Star managed to remove a total of 346 out of 400 packs of endosulfan.

While Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Elena Bautista, announced on Tuesday that retrieval of toxic chemical endosulfan was expected to be finished within 12-16 days, the PCG said it may conclude the retrieval operations much earlier. The retrieval operations of the endosulfan may be finished by Sunday, Oct. 5 or in the next few days.

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

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

Tamayo said they are confident that the retrieval of endosulfan will be finished by Sunday (Oct. 5).

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

Bautista said the divers and those receiving the containers on the barge are wearing hazmat (hazardous materials) suits, and were 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.

In 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.