Oil Tanker Capsizes Off Philippine Coast: One Crew Member Missing Amid Oil Spill

A tanker carrying industrial fuel capsized on Thursday off the Philippines, resulting in an oil spill. Sixteen crew members were rescued, but one remains missing. Authorities are investigating possible links to Typhoon Gaemi. Strong winds and high waves have hampered rescue efforts.

(Adds details, coast guard statement from paragraph 3) MANILA, July 25 (Reuters) -

A tanker carrying industrial fuel capsized early Thursday morning near the coastal town of Limay, Philippines, causing an oil spill and leaving one crew member missing. Sixteen other crew members were rescued, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

The MT Terra Nova was laden with 1,494 metric tonnes of industrial fuel when it capsized in the Bataan province waters. Bautista stated strong winds and high waves impeded dispatch efforts for rescue and containment operations. An investigation is underway to find out if the maritime accident is connected to Typhoon Gaemi, per Coast Guard spokesperson Armando Balilo.

The coast guard clarified there was no weather disturbance in the area when the incident occurred.

(With inputs from agencies.)