Environmentalists are expressing concerns over potential damage to coral reefs in Sipalay City following an accidental limestone spill from two barges into the sea at Campomanes Bay, a marine protected area, in Brgy. Maricalum, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on September 15.
The incident which occurred when the barges, B/Big Sun and B/Big Job, owned by Asian Shipping Company Corporation, tilted due to strong winds while anchored in Campomanes Bay. Both barges were carrying 7,500 metric tons of limestone each and were en route from Bohol province to Rio Tuba, Bartaza, Palawan.
While there is no immediate evidence of significant damage on the beach, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Negros Occidental Station is investigating the possible impact of the spilled limestone on the area’s coral reefs.
The 19 crew members of both barges were reported to be safe.
The Marine Environmental Protection Command and the PCG will conduct further assessments to determine the extent of the environmental damage caused by the spill.
