Philippines oil spill: Tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil capsizes

Summary

A tanker with 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel capsized off Manila Bay, Philippines, due to rough seas, resulting in the death of one crew member. The Philippine Coast Guard is struggling to contain the oil spill, which threatens fishing communities and could reach Manila. Greenpeace Philippines warns of the severe and long-lasting environmental and livelihood impacts of such spills, highlighting the challenges of cleanup and the compounded effects on coastal communities already facing the climate crisis.

Takeaways

• 🚢 A tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel has capsized off Manila Bay in the Philippines due to strong currents and rough sea conditions.
• 🔍 16 crew members were rescued, and one was initially reported missing but later found dead, resulting in a total of 17 crew members accounted for with one fatality.
• 🌊 The Philippine Coast Guard has launched a search and rescue mission following the tanker's Mayday call and has spotted an oil slick two nautical miles from the capsized site.
• 🚨 There is a significant concern that the oil spill may reach Manila, affecting fishing communities and the capital city, similar to a previous incident in Mindoro.
• 🛠️ The Philippine Coast Guard faces challenges in containing the spill due to the ongoing rough sea conditions, which may have been influenced by Typhoon Gamy.
• 🗓️ Last year's oil spill in Mindoro took 3 months to clean up, and fishermen are still awaiting compensation for damages to their livelihoods.
• 🌐 The impact of the oil spill could be grave, especially for coastal communities that rely on fishing for their livelihoods.
• 🌊 The oil spill's effects on marine life and the environment are long-lasting and may not fully recover even after visible signs of the spill are cleared.
• 🌡️ Climate change and environmental issues, such as warming seas and dying coral reefs, are already affecting fish populations and coastal communities, exacerbating the impact of the oil spill.
• 💡 The response to the oil spill involves not just the cleanup but also addressing the long-term effects on communities that depend on a healthy marine environment.
• 📢 Greenpeace Philippines Country Director, Leah Guerrero, emphasizes the severity of the situation and the importance of a comprehensive response to the oil spill.

Q & A

What was the capacity of the oil tanker that capsized off Manila Bay?

The oil tanker was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel.

How many crew members were on board the tanker, and what was the outcome of the rescue operation?

There were 17 crew members on board. 16 were rescued, and one was initially missing but later found dead.

What was the location of the oil spill in relation to Manila?

The oil spill occurred off the coast of Bataan, which is about a 5-hour drive from Manila, but technically just off Manila Bay.

What was the immediate action taken by the Philippine Coast Guard after the incident?

The Philippine Coast Guard quickly launched a search and rescue mission after receiving a Mayday call from the crew.

What is the potential impact of the oil spill on Manila and nearby fishing communities?

If not contained, the oil spill could reach Manila, affecting fishing communities and the environment, posing a major concern for the capital city.

What challenges does the Philippine Coast Guard face in containing the oil spill, especially considering the weather conditions?

The Philippine Coast Guard faces difficulties due to rough sea conditions, possibly influenced by typhoon Gamy, making it hard to dispatch assets for containment.

What was the situation with a similar oil spill that occurred south of Manila last year?

A tanker with 800,000 liters of industrial fuel capsized in Mindoro, and it took 3 months to clean up the oil spill, with fishermen still awaiting compensation.

According to Leah Guerrero, what are the long-term effects of an oil spill on marine life and coastal communities?

Oil spills can leave permanent damage to the marine environment and affect communities that depend on it, with some areas never fully recovering.

How does the current oil spill compare with the climate crisis affecting the Philippines, particularly for fisherfolk?

The oil spill adds to the difficulties faced by fisherfolk, who are already struggling with dwindling fish numbers and dying coral reefs due to the climate crisis.

What are the visible and invisible effects of an oil spill that need to be addressed?

Visible effects include the oil slick and its immediate impact on the shoreline, while invisible effects involve long-term damage to marine life and ecosystems below the water.

What is the role of Greenpeace Philippines in addressing the oil spill and its aftermath?

Greenpeace Philippines, represented by Leah Guerrero, provides insights on the environmental impact and advocates for the affected communities, particularly fisherfolk.