In the Philippines, an enormous oil spill was caused when a tanker carrying 1,400,000 liters of fuel capsized.
While the coast guard is conducting a search for the missing sailor, sixteen of the seventeen crew members on board the MT Terra Nova have been saved.
Situation Briefing
A statement was released at a situation briefing by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
“There is already oil spill. Right now, we cannot dispatch our resources because of strong winds and high waves.”
Rough Seas
According to Bautista, the ship was carrying 1,494 metric tons of industrial fuel.
Balilo claims that the rescued crew reported encountering rough seas prior to the ship’s capsize.
Philippine Coast Guard
At a separate briefing, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Armando Balilo stated that a 97-meter coast guard vessel had been deployed to combat the oil spill.
The coast guard was also sent to search and locate the reported missing crew.
Weather Clearance
Before they can sail, smaller vessels are waiting for the weather to clear.
A survey from the air by the coast guard showed an oil spill spreading around two nautical miles.
Spreading Oil Slick
The oil slick was reported to have been spread due to strong waves in the area.
‘We are racing against time,” Balilo stated, “We will do our best to contain the fuel.”
Manila Concern
He added that there is a “big danger” that the spill could reach Manila.
This is because the waters in which the ship capsized are close to the capital.
Assessing Damage
Balilo stated, “That’s part of the contingencies that we are preparing for.”
The country’s environment ministry stated that its chief was on her way to Limay town after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed the ministry to assess the damage.
Storm Gaemi
An examination is in progress in the event that the sinking is connected with Storm Gaemi.
The storm on Wednesday overwhelmed large areas of the capital Manila and encompassing towns.
Death Toll
According to data provided by the government, the typhoon and monsoon rains have resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people.
According to officials, they have indicated that the number could rise as the damage continues.
Extra Weight
LSEG’s Eikon information shows Terra Nova has an extra weight of 1,415 tons.
The ship was making its way towards the central territory of Iloilo before it capsized.
Prior Spills
Last year, oil hauler MT Princess Empress was transporting around 800,000 liters of industrial fuel when it overturned.
The capsize occurred on Feb. 28 and ultimately sank following the incident.
The ensuing oil slick required three months of efforts to cleanup and hit tourist areas.
