Luxury beach resort in Singapore swiftly addresses oil spill contamination
A dredger from the Netherlands, named Vox Maxima, collided with a Singaporean-flagged bunker vessel, Marine Honor, on a Friday afternoon, as reported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Although the oil spill from the vessel was contained and treated with dispersants by Saturday, the treated fuel managed to spread due to the tidal currents, according to the MPA.
The oil spill originating from the Pasir Panjang Terminal cargo port, around 10 kilometers (six miles) from Sentosa, the well-known resort island housing luxury accommodations, golf courses, and Universal Studios Singapore, has spread.
The mishap took place at the beginning of the Hari Raya Haji long holiday weekend, expecting an influx of locals and tourists to Sentosa and other attractions.
As per the MPA's announcement on Sunday, beaches on Sentosa will remain accessible to the public, but swimming and water activities will be restricted at Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso Beaches along the west coast of the island.
The outlying islands of St. John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu were closed off on Sunday evening as the oil slick reached the shores of the first two locations, which are frequented by day-trippers via ferries and chartered yachts, according to a joint statement issued by the National Parks Board, along with scientists and volunteers from Friends of Marine Park.
Authorities have launched cleanup attempts with skimmer vessels, and approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) of oil absorbent booms have been set up to safeguard a coastal conservation area lined with mangroves.
Singapore stands as a major shipping and fuel bunkering hub, situated along a congested strait linking the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. With a length of about 8 miles, a width of 11.8 miles, and numerous small islands, it is one of the world's busiest commercial waterways, through which roughly 1,000 ships pass each day.
While the extent of ecological damage from the spill is still uncertain, local conservation group Marine Stewards shared photos of oil-polluted birds and coastlines on their Facebook page.
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Despite the oil spill disruption, many tourists still plan their travels to Singapore, seeking to enjoy its luxury beach resorts and attractions. However, visitors are advised to avoid swimming and water activities at certain beaches due to the oil contamination.
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