AN OIL tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil sank in the vicinity of Tablas Island in Romblon on Tuesday early dawn, February 28, 2023.
In a radio interview, Batangas Port manager Joselito Sinocruz said the incident involving MT Princess Empress happened around 2 a.m. while it was on its way to Iloilo from Bataan.
He said the 20 crew of the vessel were rescued by a foreign vessel passing the area.
He said there is no report yet on the possible oil spill in the area.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard said it has deployed BRP Melchora Aquino and one airbus helicopter to provide necessary assistance and assess the vicinity waters for possible traces of an oil spill.
“Initial investigation revealed that the distressed motor tanker encountered engine trouble due to overheating. It then drifted towards the vicinity waters off Balingawan Point due to rough sea conditions until it became half-submerged,” it said. (SunStar Philippines)