Singapore (VNA) – Singapore is urgently conducting beach cleaning and oil spill handling activities in the context that many beaches are being closed and the damage to tourism activities as well as the ecosystem is significant.
In a joint statement released on June 16 by Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), and Sentosa Development Corporation said 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.
As of June 16, there were no signs of oil slick within Sisters’ Islands Marine Park but oil sheen was observed in the surrounding waters, according to the statement.
NParks has also deployed oil absorbent booms to protect Berlayer Creek and the Rocky Shore at Labrador Nature Reserve. While West Coast Park is not affected, oil absorbent booms have also been deployed at West Coast Park to protect the mangroves at the Marsh Garden.
After the June 14 incident, beaches at East Coast Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, beaches at St John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu Islands have been closed. Sentosa – Sentosa's beaches remain open for public, but sea activities and swimming are not allowed at Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beach.
The incident has also affected people's lives as residents at Sentosa Cove were forced to leave their homes on June 15 due to an unpleasant smell. Cruise businesses have suffered losses, while tourists are frustrated by pollution. A YachtCruiseSG employee said the company cancelled four bookings on June 15, with a loss of about 3,200 SGD (nearly 2,400 USD).
Sentosa Development Corporation said that in addition to cleaning up beaches, it has also focused on minimising the impact on surrounding waters and wildlife.
Currently, NEA is monitoring water quality at other beaches, while MPA will investigate the incident./.
