Oil spill off Pangasinan sighted

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed today that traces of oil spill were seen off Bolinao in Pangasinan where the ill-fated Myanmar vessel MV Arita Bauxite sank.

PCG regional director Chito Castro revealed that the oil spill was sighted about 10 nautical miles from the shoreline.

"The PCG is effecting its oil spill contingency plan to contain it," said Castro.

He said the PCG has yet to determine the extent of the oil spill but he said the affected area is "quite big."

Castro also disclosed that they found no survivor following their initial search and rescue efforts for 14 other crew members of MV Arita Bauxite who are all Myanmar nationals. The PCG has terminated its search and rescue operation.

The ill-fated MV Arita Bauxite sank off Cape Bolinao in the night of Feb. 16 after encountering engine trouble. The ship was loaded with coal and was on its way to China.