Second tanker sinks in Manila Bay, spreading oil spill further

A second tanker, the Jason Bradley, has sunk off the coast of the Bataan Peninsula, posing a threat of increased pollution in the Manila Bay area. The incident occurred on the evening of July 27, near the entrance of the bay in the municipality of Mariveles. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) dispatched three vessels to monitor the situation and found an oil slick on the water. Fortunately, the tanker was in ballast, which reduced the potential for pollution.

The owner of the Jason Bradley is arranging for a salvor, and a full response is expected to begin within 1-2 weeks. The PCG shared an accelerated video showing the tanker sinking evenly in shallow water with its mast still above the surface. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and the cause of the incident remains unknown.

Meanwhile, efforts to contain the spill from the Terra Nova, which sank on July 25, are ongoing. The vessel is leaking fuel oil into the water near Limay, with salvage divers working to seal off the leaking valves connected to the cargo tanks. Pollution abatement measures to remove the cargo and fuel have yet to commence, potentially causing delays in the cleanup process. Aerial photos show a thick layer of oil on the water’s surface, with the slick reaching the town of Hagonoy at the north end of Manila Bay. Greenpeace Philippines has urged the government to take swift action to control the spill and hold the cargo owner accountable for cleanup costs and environmental damage.

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