The body of a missing crew member from the motor tanker Terra Nova, which sank off the coast of Limay, Bataan, has been found.

On July 25, 2024, the motor tanker, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized at Lamao Point. The tanker was on its way to Iloilo.

Of the 17 crew members on board, 16 were rescued immediately from the sinking vessel. Authorities later found the body of the missing crew member.

According to the Portavaga Ship Management, the Coast Guard initially prevented the ship's scheduled departure from Limay, Bataan, on July 22. They were allowed to sail the next evening, but the vessel encountered rough seas and strong currents near Nasugbu, Batangas.

The ship attempted to seek shelter before deciding to return to Limay. During the return trip, the tanker began to tilt. 

The crew called for help from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

OIL SPILL

The PCG has conducted an aerial survey as part of its oil spill response operations. The agency is also collaborating with oil spill response organizations to contain the spill. 

The Bataan station commander of the PCG said no oil has leaked from the tanker’s cargo. The visible oil slick is likely from the ship's fuel or from the deck and pipes. 

The PCG aims to extract the oil from the tanker within seven days.

"Ang lalim po nung ating Manila Bay ay 30 meters, so ano yan, hindi imposible na magawan ng paraan, para safely [and] securely mailabas yung laman ng tanker na langis, para hindi makaapekto sa ating kapaligiran," Bataan Governor Jose Garcia said.

However, due to the bad weather, siphoning or removing the oil has not yet started as of July 26, according to a report by John Consulta on 24 Oras.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to install monitoring instruments once the location of the tanker is confirmed.

"Kailangan pong malaman kung saan siya ngayon, at kung ano ang estado ng istruktura ng barko, and then andito kami para tumulong," DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has directed various agencies to study the environmental impact of the spill.

"Basically, what we need to assess is where was the capsized vessel? The fuel is being released, what are the tides? What are the winds? Where is it headed? Para maunahan na natin. We need some determinations of that," he said.

The local government has also banned fishing in the area.

"Sa pakikipagtulungan po ng barangay captains natin... siyempre po nagpreprepare rin po [kami] ng tulong," Ritchie Jason David, Vice Mayor of Limay, said.