Oil Spill from Sunken Tanker Spreads to Philippine Coast

An oil spill from a capsized tanker off the coast of Manila Bay in the Philippines has reached a nearby fishing village, causing concern for the health and livelihoods of fishermen. The tanker, MT Newfoundland, was carrying 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel when it sank, resulting in one crew member’s death. The spill has already impacted fishermen in Tanza, Cavite province, who are worried about the effect on their catch and income.

Efforts to clean up the spill are underway, with the Philippine Coast Guard sealing the leak and beginning the process of pumping out the oil. Aerial surveys have shown minimal oil films in the affected waters, but the impact on the fishermen and the local economy is a major concern. Authorities are investigating whether the ship’s sinking could be linked to Typhoon Gaemi, which caused severe weather in the region.

This incident is reminiscent of a previous oil spill caused by the capsizing of the tanker MT Princess Empress last year, where the clean-up operation took three months and negatively impacted tourist resorts. The current spill is a worrying development for the affected fishermen and authorities in the Philippines as they work to address the environmental and economic consequences of the accident.

Source .