According to the Philippine Coast Guard, a spillage of diesel fuel ensued after an oil tanker carrying 800,000 liters of oil half-submerged in Oriental Mindoro early Tuesday morning.
The Philippine Coast Guard said MT Princess Empress departed from Bataan en route to Iloilo with its 20 crew members.
“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,” the PCG said in a statement.
A passing foreign vessel identified as MV Efes rescued the 20 crew members, who were later dropped off at the Port of Subic Bay, according to Sino Cruz.