A Philippine-flagged oil tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of oil, overturned and sank today near Manila, authorities said, AFP reported, quoted by BTA.
"We were able to rescue 16 of the 17 crew members, one of whom is missing," Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said at a media briefing. Strong winds and high waves made the rescue operation difficult, he added.
The accident happened early this morning, about seven kilometers from Limaj municipality. The ship "Terra Nova" "capsized and eventually sank," the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.
An oil slick has been discovered and marine conservation officers have been mobilized to try to contain it.