Product Tanker Explodes in Manila Bay, 18 Injured

On Wednesday, the product tanker Reia Faye caught fire and exploded in Manila Bay. No fatalities were reported but 18 crewmembers sustained injuries.

The tanker had reportedly been awaiting instructions off of the Petron Bataan Refinery in Limay, on the Bataan Peninsula. “The ship’s engines were being powered-up when the crew heard [an] irregular noise at the engine room followed by [a] burst of flames. Nearby tugboat operators rescued the crew who jumped into the water,” a report from the Central Luzon police said. 

18 crewmembers were injured, including the captain, the second mate and the second engineer. Nine of the injured were apprentices, according to local media. 

Those with serious injuries – including the captain – were taken to two nearby hospitals. An emergency room doctor told the Manila Times that most of those treated had suffered second or third degree (deep tissue) burns. The vessel's operator said that it will bear the cost of treatment, and in an update, the firm said that all of the injured were in stable condition. 

The 2012-built Reia Faye (ex name Eldrei Faye, IMO 8772790) is a 1,200 dwt product tanker. She is flagged in the Philippines and has no inspection record in Equasis.