Oil Spill Disaster off Guimaras Island, Philippines (Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Expert Team)

August 21, 2006

In response to a serious oil spill disaster caused by sinking of an oil tanker (Philippine registry, Solar I, 998 tons) in the sea 20 km off the southwestern coast of Guimaras Island on August 11 (Fri), the Government of Japan decided to dispatch a Japan Disaster Relief Expert Team from August 22 (Tue) to the Guimaras Island, Philippines upon receiving a request made by the Government of the Philippines. The team consists of four members (three Japan Coast Guard officials and one JICA official).
After the accident, about 200,000 liters of industrial oil spill appear to have caused damage to the 200km-long shore of Guimaras Island, where the beach and mangrove swamps are covered in black sludge. According to the local government, at least 10,000 residents of Guimaras Island have suffered damage.
The Philippine coastguard has tried to clear the oil, remove the shattered hull, and prevent the oil slick from reaching the coast. In such a situation, the Government of Philippines requested the Government of Japan to dispatch experts to assess and evaluate the damage and to give guidance and advice to the Philippine authorities on oil removal operation.
Considering the situation after the accident, the Government of Japan has decided to dispatch a Japan Disaster Relief Expert Team from a humanitarian viewpoint as well as friendly relations with the Republic of the Philippines.

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