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.
In an interview, Batangas Port manager Dr. Joselito Sinocruz said the incident involving MT Princess Empress took place around 2 AM while it was on its way to Iloilo from Bataan.
Authorities were able to rescue all the 20 crew members, including the captain, on board the MT Princess Empress.
Sinocruz said they have yet to receive information von the possible oil spill in the area, adding that the incident has already been reported to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In a statement, the PCG 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.
