A small tanker loaded with industrial fuel sank off the coast of the Philippines in bad weather early on Thursday, causing a large oil spill.

Sixteen of the 17 crew members were rescued from the 1,415-dwt Terranova (built 2002), which sank off the coastal town of Limay, in Bataan province, with 1,494 metric tonnes (11,000 barrels) of industrial fuel on board.

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If all the oil leaked, it would be the largest spill in the country’s history, said coastguard spokesperson Armando Balilo.

The Philippines coastguard recovered the body of one seafarer during a search hampered by strong winds and high waves, said officials. Four of the 16 rescued crew members are receiving further medical help, said the coastguard.

The ship sank at 1:10 GMT on Thursday, as it was heading for the central Philippine city of Iloilo. An aerial survey showed an oil slick spreading about two nautical miles (3.6 km), said Balilo.

“We are racing against time. We will do our best to contain the fuel,” Reuters quoted Balilo as saying.

The ship is owned and operated by Manila-based Shogun Ships Co, according to shipping database Equasis. Technical manager Porta Vaga confirmed the death of the seafarer in a statement to local media.

The sinking follows flooding in parts of the capital of Manila and surrounding towns the previous day caused by Typhoon Gaemi. At least 14 people have died from the typhoon and monsoon rains.

The Philippines Coast Guard launched a search for a missing crew member. Photo: Philippines Coast Guard

The Philippines had a major clear-up last year after the Philippine-flagged 1,143-dwt Princess Empress (built 2022) sank in rough seas off the coast of Naujan, in the province of Oriental Mindoro, while carrying a smaller cargo of 800,000 metric tonnes (4,900 barrels) of industrial oil.

The spill affected mangroves and tourist areas and prompted more than 35,000 claims, mainly from local fishermen, amounting to more than $50m.

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