A major oil spill has polluted Singapore's southern shores and prompted the closure of several popular beaches. The incident occurred when a Dutch-flagged dredger, Vox Maxima, collided with the Singapore fuel supply vessel Marine Honor on Friday due to a sudden loss of engine control and steering. This collision caused one of Marine Honor's cargo tanks to rupture, causing low-sulphur oil to leak into the sea.
Although the spill has been contained, the oil, which has been treated with dispersants, has been carried further offshore by tides, reaching the resort island of Sentosa. Conservationists and biologists are currently assessing the potential damage to marine and wildlife.
More than 250 workers are involved in the clean-up operation, with a mile of containment booms installed to trap the oil and prevent further spread. In addition, floating containment devices are being used to collect the oil at the surface, which is then lifted into storage tanks by two skimmer boats.
Several areas, including a public park beach, beaches on three southern islands and a nature reserve, have been closed to facilitate cleanup efforts. While Sentosa's beaches remain open to the public, sea activities and swimming have been temporarily banned. The National Parks Board has also deployed oil-absorbing booms to safeguard mangroves in another park that is currently unaffected.
Volunteers from the public have been recruited to patrol the park for early signs of oil slicks. The situation continues to evolve as authorities and volunteers work tirelessly to mitigate the environmental impact of the spill.
English 
Español de Venezuela 