A Philippine oil tanker, the Terra Nova, has sunk in Manila Bay following a harrowing encounter with large waves, prompting concerns about potential oil leaks into the bay’s waters. The Philippine coastguard conducted a nighttime rescue operation, successfully saving 16 or 17 crew members amidst challenging conditions.
The tanker, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, departed from Bataan province bound for Iloilo when it began taking on water due to the severe weather conditions brought by monsoon rains and a passing typhoon. Despite efforts to navigate back to port, the vessel ultimately sank shortly after midnight, according to Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, spokesperson for the coastguard.
Following the sinking, an aerial survey identified an oil spill roughly 2.3 miles long near the site where the tanker went down. Rear Admiral Balilo clarified that this spill likely originated from the fuel intended for the tanker’s operations rather than its cargo. Nevertheless, concerns remain about potential environmental impacts, particularly on Manila’s shorelines and marine ecosystems within the bay.
The coastguard has dispatched the BRP Melchora Aquino to conduct search operations for the missing crew member and assess the situation. Plans are also underway to prevent a major oil spill, with preparations to contain any leaked fuel that could affect Manila Bay’s delicate marine environment.
Rear Admiral Balilo mentioned that the tanker now rests at a relatively shallow depth of 111 feet, raising the possibility of siphoning off its fuel cargo to mitigate environmental risks. Such an operation, he noted, would require specialized vessels and could take up to a week to complete.
The potential magnitude of the spill is compared to a previous incident involving another Philippine oil tanker off Oriental Mindoro province, which took three months to contain and caused extensive damage to coral reefs and mangroves, impacting numerous livelihoods and coastal communities.
Manila Bay, known for its scenic sunsets and significant economic activities, including tourism and business, faces renewed environmental challenges amidst ongoing land reclamation efforts and development projects in the area.
As authorities continue their response efforts, vigilance remains high to safeguard against further environmental, social, and economic repercussions from this maritime incident in one of the Philippines’ most iconic coastal areas.
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