Singapore authorities have reported an incident involving a dredger boat that lost engine and steering control, resulting in a collision with a stationary cargo tanker. The dredger, Vox Maxima, flying the Netherlands flag, struck the Singaporean fuel supply ship Marine Honor on Friday. This collision caused a rupture in one of the cargo tanks of the Marine Honor, leading to a spill of low-sulfur oil into the sea.
Although efforts have been made to contain the leak, the spilled oil, treated with dispersants, has spread along the southern shores of Singapore, reaching popular areas such as Sentosa Island. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, along with other relevant agencies, are conducting investigations with the cooperation of the master and crew members of the Vox Maxima.
To address the environmental impact of the oil spill, cleanup operations are underway. Part of the beachfront at a public park, beaches on three southern islands, and a nature reserve have been temporarily closed to facilitate the cleanup process. While Sentosa beaches remain open to the public, sea activities and swimming have been prohibited as a precautionary measure.
Oil Spill Response Limited, an industry-funded cooperative specializing in spill response, is deploying floating containment and recovery devices to manage the oil on the water surface. Skimmer craft will be used to lift the oil into storage tanks. More than 250 workers are actively involved in the cleanup efforts, with containment booms and temporary barriers being set up to prevent further spread of oil onto the shore.
The National Parks Board has taken steps to protect mangroves at a park that has not yet been affected by deploying oil-absorbing booms. Additionally, volunteers from the public have been assigned to patrol the park for any signs of oil slicks.
Conservationists and biologists are closely monitoring the impact of the oil spill on marine and wildlife. Reports and images circulating in Singapore show the unfortunate consequences of the spill, including a small dead fish and a kingfisher covered in oil.
