CAMP JULIAN OLIVAS, San Fernando City, Pampanga – Eighteen crew members of an oil tanker were injured in an explosion in Barangay Luz, Limay, Bataan, Wednesday afternoon.
Reports reaching the office of Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino said the M/TKR Reia Faye operated by Reild Marine Services and Trading was anchored about one nautical mile off the shore and awaiting loading instructions from the Petron Bataan Refinery when the incident happened.
M/TKR Reia Faye Capt. Vincent Latap, 56, of Legazpi City, Albay told police that the ship’s engines were being powered up when he heard an irregular noise in the engine room followed by burst of flames.
An explosion occurred and crew members jumped into the water. They sustained severe burns and minor injuries and nearby tug boat operators rescued and took them to the pier in Barangay Lamao.
The victims were taken to hospitals in Orion and Balanga City, Bataan.
Latap sustained severe burns along with ship apprentices Steven Kyle Calugay and Rodgie Francisco; 2nd Engineer Marty S. Manzo, ship oiler Danilo Morollano, and trainee Kenneth Guinto, 21.
Those who sustained minor burns were trainees Christian Lexter Doroteo Faner, Bryan de Peralta, and Celszann Cabanela Celis; apprentices Restie Siona, Maria Theresita Diego, Petapaul Bones, Agustin Sabidal, James Darwin Oro, John Lester Oro, and Cris Raondero; 2nd Mate Armando Leanillo, and checker Jonarick Garo.