A fishing vessel carrying approximately 40,000 liters of automotive diesel oil (ADO) sank early Wednesday, around 3 a.m., about 2.25 nautical miles off Sitio Talim, Barangay Luyahan in Lian, Batangas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog.
Identified as FV Unity World, the boat departed from Navotas Fish Port Pier 1 en route to Cuyo, Palawan to collect fish, but encountered heavy seas near Fortune Island, prompting the captain to declare abandon ship at approximately 2 a.m, a report from ABS-CBN News also said.
All 11 crew members safely reached the shoreline using floating devices, and no injuries have been reported .
The PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Team in Nasugbu and the Coast Guard Sub‑Station in Lian are closely monitoring the site for possible oil leaks and are deploying containment measures to avert a maritime pollution incident .
Coast Guard vessels are reportedly preparing absorbent booms and dispersants and are prioritising salvaging remaining diesel before it contaminates marine waters.
Environmental advocates warn that a spill in the Verde Island Passage — a key marine biodiversity hotspot — could threaten coral reefs, fisheries, and the marine protected area network shared between Batangas and neighboring provinces.
Local Bantay Dagat teams are collaborating with the PCG and BFAR to secure mangroves and sensitive coastal zones.
In recent years, the Philippines has faced similar incidents, including the July 2024 Manila Bay spill from the sunken tanker Terra Nova, where PCG-led response efforts included valve sealing and siphoning operations to avert ecological damage.
Last month, another fishing boat in the same area ran aground during rough weather without fuel, underscoring ongoing maritime hazards in Batangas .
The Coast Guard has coordinated with DENR, BFAR, and municipal offices in Lian to execute shoreline cleanup, sample water and sediment, and, if necessary, impose temporary fishing bans along the coast .
Authorities continue to assess sea and weather conditions before deciding on a full-scale salvage operation to recover the vessel and its remaining cargo.
