A devastating oil spill has spread to all three beaches in Sentosa, Singapore, following a collision between two ships near Pasir Panjang Terminal. The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) confirmed the incident, which occurred on June 14, and has since halted all beach activities in the affected areas.
The oil spill was first observed at Palawan Beach around 9 pm on June 14, and by 7 am the next day, it had spread to the waters of Siloso and Tanjong beaches, as well as Sentosa Cove, a residential area. The SDC, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other relevant authorities, is currently working to contain and clean up the spill.
The MPA has deployed 16 oil response craft to spray oil dispersants and collect oil slicks from the water surface. Meanwhile, residents in Sentosa Cove have volunteered to assist with the clean-up efforts.
The SDC has emphasized that its top priority is to minimize the impact of the oil spill on the waters and surrounding wildlife. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need for effective emergency response measures to mitigate the effects of such accidents.
As the clean-up efforts continue, concerns are likely to be raised about the long-term environmental impact of the oil spill on Sentosa’s ecosystem and the potential risks to marine life. The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
Image Source: Wan Razak