MT Terra Nova

In the wake of typhoon, capsized oil tanker in Manila Bay highlights dangers of fossil fuels

Home » MT Terra Nova

Published: July 26, 2024
This Article was written by: Katie Hill - My Green Pod
fossil fuels, oceans, oil, pollution

0 Shares

Main image: aerial view of Port of Manila and Manila Bay, Philippines

On 24 July MT Terra Nova, a Philippine-flagged tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil, capsized and sank in Manila Bay amid heavy rains.

The tanker capsized nearly 7km off the coast, endangering the nearby municipality of Limay in Bataan province and other areas already heavily affected by extreme rainfall from Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwestern monsoon.

‘The sunken tanker MT Terra Nova is a ticking time bomb that further imperils the health, safety and livelihoods of coastal communities around Manila Bay. Communities are still reeling from the impacts of Super Typhoon Carina. Now we’re facing another crisis with this oil spill near Limay, Bataan.

‘This one-two punch of calamities highlights just how severe the danger fossil fuels can be to our environment and to vulnerable communities. With inadequate government social and financial support for recovery, communities are left on the lurch, as in the case of the MV Princess Empress last year. Fossil fuel companies who owned the cargo escaped responsibility, in large part because of lackadaisical government moves to hold them accountable.

‘The government and the companies involved must do everything to recover the vessel and its contents immediately to prevent further damage to the marine environment and coastal communities.

‘The owners of MT Terra Nova and its cargo must come forward and claim responsibility: foot the bill for any environmental damage this may cause, and provide compensation to the communities affected. The government must also ensure that the full weight of our legal system is applied to ensuring justice for the people of Limay and the other communities in the area.

‘We reiterate our call for the Marcos administration to end our dependence on fossil fuels, and expedite a just transition to renewable energy.

‘President Marcos must also call for payment from fossil fuel companies for losses and damages suffered by Filipino communities, and immediately adopt a comprehensive Climate Justice Agenda as the country faces the worsening impacts of the climate crisis.’

JEFFERSON CHUA
Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s climate campaigner

Threat to lives and livelihoods

Reports indicate that 16 workers were rescued, four of whom are injured, and one crew member who has died.

Authorities have detected that the oil spill has spread around 3km, driven by strong waves.

The Philippine Coast Guard is working to contain it using dispersants and floating barriers.

Concerns are rising about the potential environmental impact and the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Additionally, there are fears that the oil spill that could spread to waters off the capital Manila.

An investigation into the incident’s cause is still ongoing.

‘It is tragic that as Typhoon Gaemi battered the western coast of Luzon, the MT Terra Nova, a tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil, capsized near Limay municipality in Bataan province. With much of Luzon still reeling from the typhoon’s devastation, both rescue and relief efforts are of the utmost priority.

‘It is ironic that this accident, potentially caused by extreme weather events that have been increasing due to climate change, now threatens the immediate biodiversity of the area and the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and communities. This incident underscores the urgent need to decisively steer the Philippines’ development pathways towards a future that acknowledges its vulnerability to extreme weather and the futility of fossil-fuelled development.

‘We stand with the affected communities in calling for swift and concerted efforts to mitigate the oil spill. Furthermore, we demand accountability from the parties responsible for this disaster. We cannot afford to vacillate on inaction. Our collective capacity to survive and thrive amidst multiple crises demands actions that uphold a recognition of responsibility to scientific realities and the imperatives of justice and equity in responding to these ongoing disasters.’

FREAD DE MESA
Coordinator of 350 Pilipinas