Workers cleaning oil spillage at Sentosa's Tanjong Beach in Singapore. Sunday, June 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Suhaimi Abdullah)
Singapore authorities announced on Monday that a dredger boat, the Vox Maxima, experienced a sudden loss of engine and steering control, resulting in a collision with a stationary cargo tanker, the Marine Honor. The incident occurred on Friday and led to the rupture of one of the Marine Honor's cargo tanks, causing a spill of low-sulfur oil into the surrounding waters.
Efforts to contain the leak were initially successful, but subsequent tidal movements dispersed the oil, treated with dispersants, along the southern shores of Singapore, extending to popular locations such as Sentosa Island.
In a collaborative effort, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority, along with the National Environment Agency, the National Parks Board, and Sentosa Development Corporation, issued a joint statement indicating that investigations are underway with cooperation from the master and crew of the Vox Maxima.
To manage the environmental impact, sections of beachfront at a public park, beaches across three southern islands, and a nature reserve have been temporarily closed. However, beaches on Sentosa Island remain accessible to the public, with restrictions on sea activities and swimming.
Oil spill response measures are being executed by Oil Spill Response Limited, utilizing floating containment and recovery devices to gather the oil on the water's surface. Skimmer craft will then transfer the collected oil into storage tanks for disposal.
The cleanup operation involves more than 250 personnel, who have installed approximately 1.5 kilometers of containment booms to confine the oil. An additional 1.6 kilometers of temporary barriers will be deployed in the coming days to prevent further oil spread onto the shorelines.
The National Parks Board has also deployed oil-absorbing booms to safeguard mangroves in unaffected areas, while volunteers from the public are assisting in monitoring nearby parks for any signs of oil contamination.
Meanwhile, conservationists and biologists are assessing the ecological impact on marine and wildlife. Images circulating in local media and social platforms depict instances of wildlife casualties, such as a small dead fish and an oil-covered kingfisher.
Authorities continue to coordinate efforts to mitigate the spill's consequences and ensure the affected areas are restored as swiftly as possible.
