Source: BBC
Philippine authorities are racing against time to prevent an ecological disaster after the sinking of a locally flagged industrial fuel tanker MT. New Land sank in Manila Bay, on July 25. The 65-meter (213-foot) long ship, carrying about 400,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of industrial fuel, was en route to Iloilo in the central Philippines when it capsized in rough seas off the east coast of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan. The country was experiencing heavy rains and strong winds due to the southwest monsoon intensified by Typhoon Gaemi. One crew member died, while 16 other crew members were rescued.
“We are still preparing for the worst-case scenario to address the potential negative impact on the marine environment,” Coast Guard Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said in a statement, as authorities raced to “avoid a marine environmental disaster.” The ship sank about four miles from shore, and the oil slick—which at this point is likely to have come from the engine only—has spread for miles across the bay. Officials fear that if the industrial fuel in the cargo tanks leaks into the ocean, it could cause an environmental disaster of historic proportions. Balilo estimated that it would take a week to drain the oil from the ship.
Environmental group Oceana said it was calling on the Philippine government to act quickly to control the spread of oil and limit the impact on local habitats and wildlife, and said “all those responsible for failing to prevent this tragedy – from the government agencies involved to the private owners of the tanker – must be held accountable”.
