Singapore authorities are urgently addressing a significant oil spill that has contaminated the southern coastline following a maritime accident. The incident occurred when a Netherlands-flagged dredging vessel collided with a moored Singaporean fuel ship in the nearby shipping straits, due to the dredger losing engine power and drifting into the fuel ship, causing a puncture in its oil tank.
Approximately 400 tonnes of oil, half of the tank’s contents, spilled into the sea, with large amounts reaching the shores. The Singapore Maritime and Environment Agencies confirmed in a joint statement that the collision ruptured one of the Marine Honour’s oil cargo tanks, releasing low-sulphur fuel oil into the water.
Visitors to Sentosa, a popular resort island, reported that the water remained dark and oily, with a lingering smell even three days post-incident. Consequently, swimming and sea activities are temporarily banned in Sentosa, and several beaches across the country are closed indefinitely.
Environmental concerns have arisen, with reports of sea snails and other marine life being coated in spill. Initial biodiversity assessments, however, have not indicated severe damage. Dr. Karenne Tun from the National Parks Board noted that while no significant impact on marine biodiversity has been observed, oil was found on some mangrove roots. Volunteers and responders caution that the full environmental impact might not be immediately apparent.
Around 1,500 volunteers have joined the clean-up efforts, although most of the work is being conducted by contracted personnel, who were seen removing oil from the sands and surf of Sentosa. Despite the clean-up, a beach club staff member reported on Monday that the water remained polluted.
The government has deployed approximately 1.5 kilometers of oil-absorbent booms near affected beaches and public park waterways at East Coast Park, West Coast Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Additionally, dispersant chemicals have been used to break down the surface, aiding biodegradation. However, authorities warned that dispersed oil might still reach coastlines via tidal currents.
An “oil sheen” has also been detected around the protected Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, which is currently closed to safeguard coral reefs and marine life. Singapore, a key shipping and fuel bunkering hub, frequently has numerous ships along its southern coastline.
