Marine Environment Protection Group-Romblon, together with Coast Guard Sub-Station Banton, monitored the cleanup operation of the crew of MV Maria Helena and was able to collect one drum of oily-water mixture as of 4PM, 17 July 2023.

The oil is contained within the oil spill boom and no sightings of oil slicks were seen at the vicinity waters off Barangay Nasunugan in Banton, Romblon.

Further, another tugboat from Montenegro Shipping will be arriving tonight with additional oil spill booms onboard for deployment.

Recovery of remaining oil onboard the vessel will commence as soon as the team will have access to the fuel tank.

Progress report to follow.

[Photo courtesy of CGS Romblon]