Sentosa deploys about 100 workers to beef up beach cleaning efforts after oil spill

SINGAPORE: The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has beefed up its beach cleaning efforts as it works to restore the shores affected by a recent oil spill. 

In response to CNA queries, SDC said on Monday (Jun 17) that its primary focus is on recovery efforts and the restoration of water quality along the affected beaches. 

"We have beefed up our beach cleaning efforts by working with licensed contractors to assist in the cleaning of the (affected) beaches as part of whole-of-government efforts," it added. 

As of Sunday afternoon, about 100 trained workers were deployed across Sentosa's beaches armed with specialised oil containment and recovery equipment.

This included oil booms, vacuum pumps, oil dispersants, skimmers and absorbent materials to prevent further spread of oil onto shore and efficiently clean up the spill, said SDC.

"We understand the importance of our beaches to our guests and residents, and we are working tirelessly to restore them to a safe condition as quickly as possible. We will reopen the beaches for swimming and other sea activities only after the waters meet the necessary safety standards."

Oil began washing up along the coast of several beaches in Singapore on Saturday, a day after the dredger Vox Maxima hit bunker vessel Marine Honour at Pasir Panjang Terminal. 

The incident, which happened at about 2.20pm on Friday, caused some oil from the damaged cargo tank to spill into the water. 

SDC said it began monitoring the waters for potential spread of the oil spill near Sentosa's beaches after it was notified by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) at about 3.30pm. 

At about 9.20pm, SDC started to cordon off affected parts of Palawan Beach, with clean-up efforts commencing the following morning. 

On Saturday morning at about 7am, the oil spill spread was seen in the waters.

This was due to the tidal current throughout Sentosa's beaches at Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong, as well as Sentosa Cove, it added.

"We immediately deployed staff to commence clean-up at our shores alongside MPA and relevant authorities."

When asked what was the situation when MPA first alerted SDC, the SDC pointed to the authority's first press release on Friday in relation to the incident. 

"The affected cargo tank has been isolated and the spill contained," the release read.

"MPA, PSA and the bunker vessel company have activated oil spill response craft to the location. The oil spill clean-up operation is currently in progress." 

SDC also referred to a joint release by Singapore authorities on Sunday.

Sentosa's beaches remain open to the public, but sea activities and swimming are still not allowed at Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso beaches.

Beaches on three Singapore islands - St John's, Lazarus and Kusu - are also closed until further notice, the authorities said on Sunday evening, after Friday's oil spill spread to several coastlines.

The closure of the beaches at the islands is in addition to areas B to H of East Coast Park, as well as the jetty and rocky shore of Labrador Nature Reserve, which have been closed since Saturday.

SUDDEN LOSS IN ENGINE, STEERING CONTROL

In a joint statement, MPA, the National Environment Agency (NEA), the National Parks Board (NParks) and Sentosa Development Corporation said on Sunday the dredger had reported a sudden loss in engine and steering control before it hit the bunker vessel on Friday. 

This caused a rupture of the vessel's oil cargo tanks and its contents of low-sulphur fuel oil were released to the sea.

MPA patrol craft were deployed to spray dispersants on the spill. The authority's response contractor was also activated and they mobilised an oil skimmer to reduce the impact of the spill.

"Booms were also laid around the vessels thereafter as added precaution in case of further leaks from the vessel," said the authorities.

"Due to the tidal currents, parts of the oil spillage have landed along the southern shorelines including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, Southern Islands, Marina South Pier, and East Coast Park."

MPA is working with British Marine, the insurer of the stationary tanker, to set up a contact for third-party claims by "affected parties who have been impacted".

Investigations by MPA are ongoing and the master of the vessel and its crew are assisting in investigations.

Oil recovery efforts at sea are progressing. Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), the largest international industry-funded cooperative providing oil spill response services, is supporting clean-up efforts.

KEEP AWAY FROM AFFECTED BEACHES

Members of the public are advised to keep away from the affected beaches as clean-up operations are underway.

Close to 1,500m of containment booms have been deployed since Friday at various locations, including the three beaches at Sentosa, the entrance of Keppel Marina, off Labrador Nature Reserve, East Coast Park and West Coast Park.

Another 1,600m of booms will be laid over the next few days to prevent the further spread of oil onto the shore.

More than 250 personnel have been deployed, including over 50 workers from OSRL, 50 NParks officers, cleaners and other officers to support beach and shoreline clean-up efforts.

Some volunteers have been activated to monitor the situation at West Coast Park. While the authorities have not observed any impact of the oil spill at the park, they will alert the authorities should there be any signs.

Volunteers are also patrolling the beach areas at East Coast Park on Monday and like their counterparts at West Coast, they are helping with information sharing and reporting on affected wildlife and areas.

There have been more than 1,500 sign-ups by members of the public looking to help. NParks said it will activate volunteers if more assistance is needed.