Oil spill from sunken tanker reaches fishing towns in the Philippines
Published date: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:04:35 +0700
An oil spill from a tanker that sank off the Philippines during typhoon Gaemi has reached a fishing town, threatening to disrupt locals' livelihoods.
Residents were alarmed upon seeing the oil-stained waters lapping the shores of Tanza town in Cavite province on July 29.
They reported smelling a foul odour as oil-soaked debris washed up on the beach.
Local fishing group Pamalakaya said in a statement: 'What we feared has happened - that the oil spill would spread from Manila Bay and affect the livelihoods of many fisherfolk.'
The group said an estimated 5,000 anglers in Tanza town were at risk of losing their income due to the oil slick.
The MT Terra Nova sank off the Philippines' Bataan province as typhoon Gaemi lashed the Philippines early morning on July 25. One crewman aboard died, while 16 others were rescued.
The Philippine Coast Guard is bracing to contain a major oil spill, as the vessel was reported to have been carrying 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel.
Scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute said the oil spill was projected to reach the provinces of Cavite and Bulacan near the Manila Bay.
Siphoning operations were expected to start today, July 30, and authorities said they hoped to finish in two weeks.
Last February, the MT Princess Empress tanker carrying 800,000 litres of industrial fuel sank and caused a disastrous oil spill in the Philippines' Oriental Mindoro province.
