A motor tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel capsized off Bataan early morning on July 25, 2024, resulting in an oil spill.

The spill has spread approximately two nautical miles eastward.

As of this writing, one crew member is missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

PCG said the MT Terra Nova, which was headed for Iloilo, capsized around 1:10 a.m., 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point in Limay.

“The deployed aerial asset monitors an oil spill 5.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point with an estimated coverage (length) of two nautical miles carried by strong current heading east to northeast. Marine environmental protection personnel have also been mobilized to combat the oil spill,” Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said.

Of the 17 crew members on board, 16 have been rescued, with four currently receiving medical treatment. Search and rescue operations for the missing crew member are underway using PCG’s BRP Melchora Aquino.

There were no weather disturbance in the area at the time of the incident reportedly.

“There was no weather disturbance in the vicinity waters when the maritime incident occurred,” Balilo said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan has ordered an investigation into the incident.

(with reports from Joviland Rita, GMA Integrated News)