1.4 Million Liter Fuel-Bearing Tanker Sinks Near Philippine Shores

A tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of fuel sank today near the Philippine capital of Manila. The MT Terra Nova, operating under the Philippine flag, had a crew of 16 members who have been rescued, while one remains missing, reported Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

According to Bautista, a fuel leak has occurred, but strong winds and high waves have hindered efforts to address the situation. The oil slick has reportedly extended for several kilometers, as stated by AFP.

“We are working against time and will try to do everything possible to contain it immediately and stop the fuel leak,” said Armando Balilo, a representative of the Philippine Coast Guard during a press briefing.

He warned that if all the fuel spills out from the tanker, it could represent the largest spill in the Philippines' history. “There is a great danger that Manila will be affected, even the Manila coastline, if a fuel leak occurs, as it is located in Manila Bay,” Balilo added.