Oil Spill Forces Beach Closures on Sentosa Island, Singapore

Beaches on Sentosa Island in Singapore were closed after an oil spill from a nearby shipping terminal spread to the popular tourist destination. The oil-stained water and sand of Tanjong Beach were cordoned off to visitors, with signs warning people to stay out of the water. Cleanup operations were in progress, and swimming and marine activities were prohibited at Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beaches.

The oil spill occurred after a Dutch-flagged excavator collided with a Singapore-flagged bunkering ship at the Pasir Panjang Terminal. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore reported that oil had leaked into the water from the damaged cargo tank of the ship but was contained. Oil spills were observed at the terminal and along the affected beaches, prompting the deployment of 16 oil spill response boats to contain the slicks.

Despite the oil spill, shipping traffic was not impacted, and docking operations at the Pasir Panjang Terminal continued as usual. The authorities continued to conduct cleanup efforts by spraying oil dispersants and collecting the oil slicks on the water surface. The incident caused concern among tourists and locals enjoying the beaches on Sentosa Island, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective responses to environmental disasters.

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