Philippine-flagged tanker MT Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized and sank off the coast of Manila on Thursday, sending the country into a frenzy as the authorities rush to minimize the impact of the oil spill.

The tanker capsized in Manila Bay, approximately seven kilometers (4.3 miles) off Limay municipality in Bataan province, while en route to the central city of Iloilo.

The tragic incident killed one crew member, though the Philippine Coast Guard reported that 16 out of 17 crew members were rescued..The body of the missing crew member was later recovered after hours of searching in rough seas.

The sinking of the MT Terra Nova was attributed to heavy rains driven by Typhoon Gaemi and the seasonal monsoon that have recently battered Manila and surrounding regions.

Racing against time to prevent leakage

An oil spill extending several kilometers has been detected, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard to prepare dispersants and floating barriers to contain the spread of the slick.

During a briefing, Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that authorities were "racing against time" to prevent further leakage. He cautioned that if the entire oil load were to spill, it would constitute the largest oil spill in Philippine history.

"There is a big danger that Manila will be affected, even the shoreline of Manila if the fuel will leak because it is within Manila Bay," Balilo warned.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. However, Balilo stated that the vessel had not breached any regulations concerning heavy weather sailing. A Public Storm Warning Signal had not been issued when the MT Terra Nova departed from Limay, and thus, the departure did not violate any rules or regulations.

The incident poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and tour operators who rely on the waters of Manila Bay.

The tanker sank some 34 meters, a depth that Balilo described as "considerably shallow," suggesting that siphoning the oil out of the vessel could be done swiftly.

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan announced a target of seven days to complete the siphoning operation.

According to a Coast Guard report, a 3.7-kilometer oil slick is being carried in an easterly, northeasterly direction by a "strong current."

Marine environmental protection teams have been mobilized to assist in containing the slick. Additionally, the Coast Guard is collaborating with several oil spill response organizations, and oil companies like Petron have offered their assistance.