Philippine Coast Guard Races to Contain 1.4 Million Liter Oil Spill After MT Terra Nova Capsizes

Jul 26, 2024, 04:26 AM

The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations after the oil tanker MT Terra Nova capsized and submerged off the coast of Limay, Bataan. The incident occurred around 1:10 am on Thursday, July 25, while the vessel was en route to Iloilo carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil. The tanker submerged 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point. Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga has ordered the deployment of the survey vessel BRP Hydrographer Presbitero to locate the sunken tanker. Efforts are underway to contain the oil spill, with barriers being set up and siphoning operations expected to be completed within seven days. Authorities are preparing for a worst-case scenario to avoid a marine environmental catastrophe in Manila Bay.