The Philippine Coast Guard reported that industrial fuel oil is leaking from a capsized tanker into Manila Bay, and they are working to prevent an environmental disaster.
The MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters (369,840 gallons) of industrial fuel, sank off the coast of Manila.
The resulting oil slick has grown significantly, now covering an area of 12-14 km (7.5-8.7 miles) across the bay. This area is vital for many fishermen and tourism businesses.
The tanker sank on Thursday during Typhoon Gaemi, which killed one crew member. Sixteen crew members were rescued.
On Saturday, divers checked the hull and found a small leak from the valves, which is not alarming yet, according to coastguard spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo.
“We hope to start siphoning the oil from the tanker tomorrow,” Balilo said. “But we are preparing for the worst-case scenario.”
A ship to carry the recovered oil is on its way.
The coastguard warned that a full cargo leak would be an environmental catastrophe.
The coastguard said it could take up to seven days to finish the process, as the ship is now 34 meters (111 feet) underwater.
Oil containment booms have been deployed to limit environmental impact, and three coastguard vessels are spreading dispersants on the oil.
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Originally Posted by grahamw48
