The incident occurred in Manila Bay, approximately seven kilometers from the coast of Limay in Bataan province. Philippine authorities confirmed that 16 out of 17 crew members were rescued, with one still missing.
The rescue and containment operations have been hampered by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves. These conditions have made it challenging to control the spreading oil slick, which is already visible in the surrounding waters. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to mitigate the environmental impact.
Oil spill extent and response
The MT Terra Nova began listing and subsequently sank around 1:10 AM today. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is actively involved in response efforts and has initiated an investigation to determine if the weather conditions played a role in the incident.
Authorities are conducting aerial surveillance to monitor the oil spill, which stretches approximately two nautical miles and is drifting east-northeast due to currents. PCG Commander Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan has ordered a thorough investigation into the maritime incident.
The tanker was en route to Iloilo at the time of the sinking, with significant efforts already underway to contain the pollution and reduce environmental damage. Rescue operations are ongoing, supported by naval and aerial units.
Environmental impact
This ecological disaster is yet another reminder of the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to human activities and underscores the need for swift and effective responses to prevent irreversible environmental damage. In March 2024, a similar incident occurred off the coast of Japan, where a South Korean tanker capsized, spilling 980 tons of acrylic acid.
Rebecca Manzi 
