The sinking of the MT Terra Nova in Manila Bay has sparked an environmental crisis, as authorities scramble to contain an oil spill that has already spread over a significant area. The incident occurred early Thursday when the oil tanker collided with a dredging vessel involved in the New Manila International Airport Aerocity project. Initial reports suggest that at least 3,000 liters of diesel were spilled into the bay, raising alarms about the potential impact on marine life and coastal communities.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has initiated an investigation to determine the full extent of the damage. The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed oil containment booms in an attempt to limit the spread of the slick, which has already affected a 300-square-kilometer area. Yellow stains in the water were observed around the Manila Yacht Club, indicating the presence of oil.

Herma Shipping and Transport Corp, the owner of the MT Terra Nova, has yet to provide a statement. The company had recently unloaded fuel at a Petron terminal near Manila before the accident occurred. Petron Corp assured the public that their pipeline was intact, suggesting that the spill originated from the vessel itself. While diesel oil is not as persistent in the environment as other oil types, its immediate impact on marine ecosystems can be severe, especially in enclosed water bodies like Manila Bay.

Environmental groups and local authorities are calling for a thorough investigation and swift action to mitigate the spill’s effects. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of Manila Bay, a critical ecological and economic zone, to industrial accidents and highlights the urgent need for improved safety and environmental protection measures.

The full impact of the spill on local fisheries and tourism remains to be seen, but the potential for long-term ecological damage is significant. The DENR and other agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, with cleanup operations expected to intensify in the coming days.