Monitoring Desk
MANILA: The authorities in the Philippines ordered thousands of fishermen on Friday to stay ashore as they were struggling to contain an oil spill from a tanker that is threatening the rich marine life and economy of the region.
The slick off Mindoro island, south to the capital Manila, stretched for 75 miles (120 kilometers) and was about nine kilometers offshore, said disaster operations chief Ram Temena in the affected province of Mindoro Oriental.
The Philippine Coast Guard was still looking for the Princess Empress, which faced engine trouble and sank in rough seas off Naujan municipality the previous day.
It was carrying 210,000 gallons of industrial fuel oil from the Bataan province, near Manila, to the central province of Iloilo.
Meanwhile, another Vessel Rescued the 20 crew members on board.
Oil Spread a threat to environment
Diesel fuel, which had been powering the Philippine tanker, and a number of the cargo have leaked into the sea, the coast guard remarked previously, inciting concern for the environment and industries dependent on the ocean.
