Oil Spill Closes Singapore Beaches

An estimated 4.3 miles of beach on Singapore’s east coast have been closed due to an oil spill from Tuesday’s ship collision. Traces of oil were found on shore, prompting signs warning beach goers of the contaminated water. The affected beach stretches from the National Sailing Centre to the waters near Gold Kist Beach Resort.

The Malaysian flagged tanker MT BUNGA KELANA 3 collided with the MV WAILY, a St. Vincent and The Grenadines flagged bulk carrier, early Tuesday morning May 25 in the Singapore Strait, about 8 miles from Singapore’s coast.

Despite the quick response by clean up crews, the oil reached shore Wednesday afternoon. Patches of oil were also found near the coast between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Changi Naval Base. The National Environmental Agency (NEA) has deployed crews to clean up both sites and is advising the public to avoid these beaches.

Containment and clean up also took place at a rock bund near the SAF Yacht Club where traces of oil turned up as early as Wednesday morning. Restaurants along the coast say the pungent smell of oil is affecting their business and fish farms in the area were scrambling to protect their farms from contamination.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) continue work to contain the oil spill at the site of the collision About 15 vessels and over 120 people were deployed to clean up the spill. Original reports said that 18,325 barrels or about 770,000 gallons spilled, but experts estimate that number is higher.