Oil tanker explodes, 18 crew members injured

CAM P OLI VAS, Pampanga - At least 18 ship crew members were injured when an oil tanker vessel docked near the shore of Barangay Luz, Limay, Bataan, exploded, Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said M/TKR Reia Faye, a marine oil tanker operating under Reild Marine Services and Trading, was anchored about one nautical mile off the shore of said barangay.

It suddenly exploded due to engine malfunction while waiting for loading instructions from Petron Bataan Refinery, Aquino said.

Initial investigation from Bataan police showed that the ship’s engines were being powered-up when the crew heard irregular noise at the engine room followed by burst of flames.

Nearby tugboat operators rescued the crew who jumped into the water.

The crew members who suffered severe burns were identified as Vincent Latap, 56, ship captain; Steven Kyle Calugay, 19, ship apprentice; Kenneth Guinto, 21, Rodgie Francisco, 23, Danilo Morollano, 23, and Marty Manzo.

Those who sustained minor burns were Christian Lexter Doroteo Faner, 25, Bryan Peralta, 25, Celszann Cabanela Celis, Armando Leanillo, 61, Restie Siona, 21, Maria Theresita Diego, 21, Petapaul Bones, 23, Agustin Sabidal, 21, James Darwin Oro, 22, John Lester Oro, 23, Cris Raondero, 26, and Jonarick Garo, 22.

Injured crew members are now being treated at the Bataan General Hospital, Balanga City and St. Michael Hospital, Orion, Bataan.