A Philippine-flagged vessel carrying 1.4 million liters of oil has sunk off the capital Manila. Oil is leaking out and the coast guard is now working to prevent a larger oil disaster.
Strong winds and high waves are hindering the rescue efforts. One crew member has died.
The vessel "capsized and eventually sank beneath the water surface", according to the Philippine coast guard. An oil spill covering an area of approximately 3.7 kilometers has been detected, and is being carried north-east by strong currents.
We are racing against time and will do our best to stop the leak immediately, says Armando Balilo, spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard.
Later, the coast guard announced that the vessel has sunk in relatively shallow water, which could make it possible to suck out the oil from the vessel using a special vessel.
Pumping could be done quickly to protect the water in Manila Bay and around Bataan Province from environmental, social, economic, and political effects, says Balilo.
If all the oil in the tanker were to leak out, it would be the largest spill in Philippine history, warns Balilo.
There is a great risk that Manila will be affected, and even Manila's shoreline, if the oil leaks out, he says.
