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Tanker Sinks in Bataan Amid Typhoon Gaemi, Fuel Spill Threatens Environment
A tanker has sunk in Bataan during Typhoon Gaemi, raising concerns over a potential fuel spill that threatens the local environment. Learn about the incident’s impact and ongoing efforts to mitigate ecological damage.
Tanker Sinks in Philippine Waters, Fuel Spill Compounded by Typhoon
A significant maritime incident occurred on Thursday when the MT Terra Nova, a tanker registered under the Philippine flag, sank approximately four miles east of Lamao Point in Limay, Bataan—an area located northwest of the capital city, Manila. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, of the 17 crew members aboard, 16 have been successfully rescued.
The vessel was transporting a substantial cargo of 1.4 metric tons of industrial fuel oil when it sank. The situation has become increasingly dire as Typhoon Gaemi, referred to as Carina in the Philippines, has exacerbated the spill response efforts. The storm has already unleashed heavy rains and strong winds across the region earlier this week, leading to flooding in various parts of Manila and triggering landslides. Tragically, at least four fatalities have been reported in the aftermath of the storm.
As Typhoon Gaemi continued its path, having struck Taiwan late Wednesday and moving toward southeastern China on Thursday, the Philippine government has been closely monitoring the growing oil slick. According to Armando Balilo, a spokesman for the coast guard, the sheen of fuel oil spilling from the Terra Nova has expanded to a length of approximately 2.3 miles.
Unfortunately, efforts to contain the spill and investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the tanker have been significantly hampered by the adverse weather conditions brought on by the typhoon, as noted by officials from the transportation ministry.
This is a developing story.