Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is in a desperate race against time to manage a severe environmental crisis after a tanker carrying nearly 1.5 million liters (400,000 gallons) of industrial fuel capsized and sank off the country’s coast. The incident, occurring amid Typhoon Gaemi’s torrential rains and flooding, has led to fears that the “enormous” oil spill could reach the shores of the capital, Manila.
Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, reported that the oil spill is already spreading over several kilometers. Authorities are bracing for a potential catastrophe as the oil leak could become the largest in the nation’s history if not contained. The tanker, MT Terra Nova, was en route to the central city of Iloilo when it sank under stormy conditions on Thursday. The vessel, flying the Philippine flag, had 17 crew members aboard; one was confirmed dead, while 16 were successfully rescued.
Despite heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi, which has intensified the seasonal monsoon, Rear Admiral Balilo stated that the tanker had complied with regulations regarding travel during adverse weather. The storm has caused significant flooding across Metro Manila and its suburbs, further complicating the response efforts. High winds and rough seas are hampering containment operations, but the coast guard remains determined to mitigate the spill’s impact on the marine environment.
Subscribe to the MyCCBI365 newsletter
Pando Hicap, chairman of the local fishing group Pamalakaya, expressed deep concern over the spill’s potential impact on local livelihoods. “The spill is alarming because our fishermen’s lives depend on these waters. There are no alternatives for them,” Hicap told AFP.
In a related development, a second ship, the Tanzania-flagged cargo vessel Fu Shun, sank off Taiwan’s southwestern coast amid the same storm. The nine Myanmar nationals aboard were initially reported missing after abandoning the ship. Rescue operations, delayed by poor visibility and severe weather, have so far saved three of the sailors. The typhoon, which caused widespread flooding and claimed three lives in Taiwan, is now tracking toward the Taiwan Strait and is expected to make landfall in Fujian province, southeastern China, later on Thursday.
As Typhoon Gaemi moves forward, Chinese authorities have issued a high-tier disaster warning, and several rail services in the affected regions have been suspended. The storm’s impact continues to disrupt daily life and intensify the humanitarian response across the region.
Authorities in both Taiwan and the Philippines are working tirelessly to address the immediate crisis while preparing for the storm’s continuing impact. The unfolding situation remains critical as officials strive to protect both human life and the environment amidst these unprecedented challenges.
