Ship captain, 17 others hurt in oil tanker explosion in Bataan

A report reaching the PRO3 says the ship’s engine was being powered up when crew members heard an ‘irregular noise,’ followed by a burst of flames

by Jun A. Malig, Rappler, December 15, 2016

PAMPANGA, Philippines – A ship captain and 17 crew members and apprentices were injured when an explosion occurred in the engine room of an oil tanker off the shores of Limay town in nearby Bataan province on Wednesday, December 14.

Superintendent Fe Greñas, public information office chief of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in Camp Olivas here, said the accident happened around 4:00 p.m. about a nautical mile away from the shores of Luz village in Limay town.

She identified the marine oil tanker as M/TKR Reia Faye, operating under Reild Marine Services and Trading, which was waiting for loading instructions from Petron oil refinery.

A report reaching the PRO3 said the ship’s engine was being powered up when crew members heard an“irregular noise,” followed by a burst of flames.

Crew members jumped into the water due to panic and were rescued by tugboats.

Ship Captain Vincent Latap, 56, from Legazpi City in Albay, sustained severe burns.

Other crew members and apprentices who reportedly suffered severe burns are:

Danilo Morollano, 23
Marty Manzo, 41
Steven Kyle Calugay, 19
Kenneth Guinto, 21
Rodgie Francisco, 23

Those who suffered minor burns include:

Christain Faner, 25
Bryan De Peralta, 25
Celzsann Celis, legal age
Armando Leonillo, 61
Restie Siona, 21
Maria Theresita Diego, 21
Petapaul Bones, 23
Agustin Sabidal, 21
James Darwin Oro, 23
Cris Raondero, 26
Jonarrick Garo, 22

Other injured persons were brought to the Bataan General Hospital in Balanga City and St. Michael Hospital in Orion town, both in Bataan province.

An investigation into the accident will likely be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion. – Rappler.com