Tanker sinks in Manila Bay, sparking fears of major oil spill
A Philippine oil tanker sank in Manila Bay, potentially causing a major spill, after being battered by waves, prompting the coast guard to rescue 16 of 17 crew members.
Jim Gomez reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, sank after battling huge waves.
- Aerial surveys show a 2.3-mile oil spill near the sinking site, but it might be engine fuel, not cargo oil.
- The coast guard is preparing for potential shoreline contamination in Manila and considering siphoning the fuel.
Key quote:
“There’s a big danger that Manila would be affected, its shorelines, if the fuel leaks because this happened within Manila Bay. It’s part of the contingency we’re preparing for. The effect on the marine environment would not be good.”
— Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, Coast Guard spokesperson
Why this matters:
This isn't just an interruption in the local maritime traffic; it's a potential environmental nightmare. An oil spill in Manila Bay could devastate marine life, send fishing communities into crisis and spawn health risks that could ripple far beyond the bay itself. Read more: Numerous miles-long oil spills have been reported on one of Pittsburgh’s iconic three rivers.
