In a race against time, the Philippine coast guard is working diligently to prevent a major oil spill in Manila Bay after a tanker carrying a large cargo of industrial fuel oil sank in stormy weather. The coast guard has reported no indication of leakage thus far and is now focused on firming up plans to siphon off the highly toxic shipment to prevent any potential environmental catastrophe.

The ill-fated tanker, named Terra Nova, had departed from Bataan province en route to Iloilo province carrying approximately 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks. However, it encountered massive waves and took on water, hampering the crew's efforts to steer the vessel back to port. Ultimately, the tanker sank in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the loss of one crew member's life.

Coast guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We're racing against time to siphon off the oil to avoid an environmental catastrophe." The success of the operation hinges on favorable weather conditions. An oil slick approximately 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) long has been observed near the location where the tanker sank, but it is believed to have originated from the fuel tank powering the vessel, rather than the cargo stored in watertight tanks.

To facilitate the oil siphoning process, the tanker's owner has enlisted the services of a private company. Balilo noted that this operation could take up to a week, and the coast guard is eagerly awaiting the company's detailed plan to prepare for potential contingencies during the delicate undersea operation. Three coast guard ships equipped with personnel and oil spill containment equipment have been deployed to the area where the tanker sank.

The sinking of the 65-meter (213-foot) oil tanker occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 34 meters (111 feet), as ascertained through initial assessments. The coast guard personnel aboard a ship were able to witness and photograph the sinking, providing a general idea of the vessel's location. However, adverse weather conditions have delayed divers from reaching the wreckage for an inspection.

Drawing a comparison, Balilo highlighted the potential magnitude of the oil spill, citing a similar incident involving the sinking of the MT Princess Empress off Oriental Mindoro province in February last year. That spill, which involved a smaller quantity of fuel oil cargo, took three months to contain and resulted in significant damage to coral reefs and mangroves, affecting many fishermen and beach resorts.

The authorities are particularly concerned about the impact on Manila's shoreline, a significant tourism and business hub. Located within Manila Bay are the main seaport, a historic public park, the U.S. Embassy, upscale hotels and restaurants, huge shopping malls, and ongoing land reclamation projects for upscale entertainment and tourism complexes with casinos. While the bay has long been plagued by pollution, it is renowned for its picturesque sunsets.

As the Philippine coast guard intensifies its efforts to avert a major oil spill, the nation remains on high alert, recognizing the potential consequences for the environment, marine life, and the bustling capital itself.