Philippine Marine Tanker Sinks, Causing Major Oil Spill

A marine tanker carrying industrial fuel sank off the Philippines, causing a significant oil spill. Sixteen crew members were rescued, while one remains missing. Strong winds and waves hinder the cleanup efforts. The spill risks reaching Manila, and an investigation is probing potential connections to Typhoon Gaemi.

A marine tanker carrying industrial fuel sank in turbulent waters off the Philippines on Thursday, resulting in a substantial oil spill as the coast guard searches for a missing crew member, according to officials.

Sixteen of the 17 crew members of the MT Terra Nova have been saved, reported Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, following the ship's capsizing near the coastal town of Limay in Bataan province. A search continues for the remaining sailor. 'There is already an oil spill. Currently, we cannot deploy our resources due to strong winds and high waves,' noted Secretary Bautista during a situation briefing.

The vessel was transporting 1,494 metric tonnes of industrial fuel, according to Bautista. Based on rescued crew members' accounts, rough seas led to the ship's capsizing, stated Armando Balilo, a Philippine coast guard spokesperson. A 97-meter coast guard vessel, deployed to search for the missing crew and manage the oil spill, awaits clearer weather. An aerial survey revealed an oil slick spreading two nautical miles, driven by strong waves.

'We are racing against time to contain the fuel,' said Balilo. He highlighted the danger of the spill reaching Manila, stressing ongoing contingency preparations. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the environment ministry to evaluate the damage, with its chief en route to Limay town.

An investigation is examining whether the sinking relates to Typhoon Gaemi, which recently caused significant flooding in Manila and nearby areas, resulting in at least 14 deaths. Terra Nova, with a deadweight tonnage of 1,415 tonnes, was originally headed to Iloilo province, according to LSEG's Eikon data.

This incident echoes last year's MT Princess Empress oil spill, which took three months to clean up and affected tourist towns.

(With inputs from agencies.)