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Singapore authorities struggle to clean up major oil spill

At least half of the oil in the tank has spilled - about 400 tons. Large amounts washed ashore

Jun 17, 2024 11:54 175

Singapore authorities struggle to clean up major oil spill  - 1

Singapore authorities are struggling to clean up a major oil spill, days after a ship accident off the southern coast, the BBC reports.

On Friday, a dredging boat flying the Dutch flag collided with a Singaporean fuel ship moored in the straits off the country. According to local authorities, the dredger's loss of engine power caused it to drift toward the Singapore ship, puncturing its oil tank.

At least half of the oil in the tank has spilled - about 400 tons. Large quantities were washed ashore.

"The collision caused one of Marine Honour's oil cargo tanks to rupture and the contents of low-sulphur fuel oil were released into the sea," Singapore's maritime and environmental agencies said in a joint statement.

Visitors to some of the beach clubs on the popular resort island of Sentosa said the water was still dark and greasy and the smell lingered three days after the incident.

Swimming as well as other marine activities are prohibited in Sentosa for now, while several beaches in the country are closed until further notice.

There are wildlife concerns - with reports from responders of sea slugs and other creatures covered in oil. According to initial studies of biodiversity, however, there is no major damage so far.

"No significant impact on marine biodiversity has been observed, although oil has been observed in the roots of some mangroves in the area," Dr Karen Tun of the National Parks Board told the city's Straits Times newspaper.

However, volunteers involved in the cleanup say it may still be too early to tell. So far, there are no confirmed wild animals in distress due to the pollution.

About 1,500 people have volunteered to clean up, the Singapore government said. Most of the work is done by hired workers. This morning a member of staff at a beach club meters from the tourist beach said the water was "still black".

The government says it has deployed about 1.5 km. oil absorbent container poles near beaches as well as along public park waterways in East Coast Park, West Coast Park and Labrador Nature Reserve.

Water operations to clean up the spill also included spraying dispersant chemicals to "break the surface oil into droplets to enhance biodegradation," the authorities said in a joint statement. However, processed oil can still be "washed ashore by tidal currents".

Local authorities also confirmed that the "oil sheen" has also been spotted in the waters around the Sister Protected Marine Park' Islands, which is closed to the public to protect the coral reef and marine life.

Singapore is a major shipping hub and fuel bunkering hub, with hundreds of ships passing the city-state's southern coast daily.