Philippines: Response efforts underway to contain oil spill off Manila following tanker sinking July 25

Authorities are responding to an oil spill in Manila Bay July 25 caused by the sinking of a tanker following the passage of Typhoon Carina/Gaemi. The Philippine-flagged Terra Nova was carrying close to 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel at the time of the sinking, which occurred 6.5 km (4 miles) east of Lamao, Bataan Province. Strong winds and rough seas have hampered efforts to gauge the scale of the oil spill and contain it; it is currently believed to stretch for approximately 3.7 km (2.3 miles) and will likely spread further due to the wind. Search and rescue efforts are also underway for one member of the 16-strong crew, the rest having been rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.

The loss of the entire cargo would result in the country's largest oil spill to date. Such an oil spill would threaten major shipping lanes in Manila Bay and may reach the shore of Manila, causing disruption to supply chains and maritime transportation, as well as posing a potential health hazard. Clean-up efforts may cause disruption to road transport, hotels, and businesses in the vicinity of affected shorelines.