SINGAPORE: The Netherlands-flagged dredging boat Vox Maxima collided with the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour after experiencing a sudden loss of engine and steering control on June 14th. This collision created a rupture in one of the oil tanks of Marine Honour, resulting in the leakage of oil into the sea.
On June 16th, Sunday, the authorities notified that the Beaches on three Singapore islands would be closed until further notice after an oil spill spread to several coastlines on Friday. The beaches at St John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu islands will be closed after oil slicks were seen at the first two islands.
The authorities said, “Its contents of low-sulphur fuel oil were released to the sea”
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) issued the latest update. MPA dispatched patrol craft to spray dispersants on the oil spill in response and activated its oil spill response contractor. They also used an oil skimmer to reduce the spill’s impact, and booms were laid around the affected vessels as an added precaution.
MPA informed that half – or 400 tonnes – of the bunker vessel’s fuel leaked into the sea immediately, while the other half was contained. The authority ensured there were no further leaks from the vessel.
Clean-Up Operations By The Authorities
The statement released, “Due to the tidal currents, parts of the oil spillage have landed along the southern shorelines, including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, Southern Islands, Marina South Pier, and East Coast Park.”
On June 15, there were no signs of oil slick within Sisters’ Islands Marine Park around 1:30 pm, though oil sheen was observed in the surrounding waters. Investigations by MPA are still in process, and the master of the vessel and its crew are assisting in the Inquiry.
A spokesperson said “We are cooperating with the investigations by the authorities,” adding that he is unable to comment further as the probe is ongoing.
As the consequences of the oil spill, beaches on St John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu islands will be closed until further notice. Also, Beaches at East Coast Park (from areas B to H) and Labrador Nature Reserve (Jetty and Rocky Shore) were closed from June 15.
“Sentosa’s beaches remain open to the public, but sea activities and swimming are not allowed at Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso beach,” said the authorities.
NParks, NEA and SDC have assigned 250 staff to help with the clean-up efforts. Additionally, 1,500 people have signed up with NParks as volunteers. Volunteers have been deployed to monitor the situation at West Coast Park for early alert and have been activated to patrol the beach areas at East Coast Park on June 17.
Impact On Wildlife Animals
“We advise members of the public to stay away from the affected oil spill sites. Volunteers at both parks can further assist with info sharing and reporting on affected wildlife and areas,” the agencies said.
As a result of the oil Spill incident, animals including monitor lizards, otters, and birds have been found covered in oil.
On June 16th, co-chief executive Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan of The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society said, he had received several reports about these distressed animals.
“Birds will be the quickest to get stranded in such situations,” he said, adding that Acres has a collared kingfisher recovering under its care for now.
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