A tanker carrying a large cargo of industrial fuel oil sank in stormy weather in Manila Bay, prompting efforts by the Philippine coast guard to prevent a potential environmental disaster. The tanker, named Terra Nova, was en route to the central province of Iloilo when it encountered rough seas and began taking on water. Despite rescue efforts, one crew member tragically drowned while 16 others were saved.
The tanker, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil in watertight tanks, sank about 6 kilometers off Bataan province's Limay town. An oil slick measuring 3.7 kilometers in length has been observed near the site of the sinking, originating from the tanker's fuel tank rather than its cargo tanks.
The owner of the sunken tanker has contracted a private company to siphon off the oil, a process that could take up to a week to complete. The Philippine coast guard has deployed three ships equipped for oil spill containment to the area and is closely monitoring the situation.
Efforts to inspect the sunken tanker are currently on hold due to inclement weather, with coast guard divers awaiting improved conditions to assess the vessel. The coast guard is preparing for the possibility of a significant oil spill that could impact Manila Bay and its surrounding areas, including the city of Manila itself.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the environmental risks associated with maritime transportation and the importance of swift and coordinated response measures in mitigating potential damage. The coast guard's proactive approach underscores the urgency of the situation and the need to safeguard the delicate marine ecosystem of Manila Bay.
Manila Bay, a key tourism and business hub in the Philippines, is a focal point for economic activity and development projects. The potential impact of an oil spill in this area highlights the critical need for effective environmental protection measures and emergency response protocols to safeguard both the natural environment and the local communities that rely on the bay for their livelihoods.
