If you're planning a day out at the beach this long weekend, be advised that the beaches of Singapore's Sentosa Island are currently affected by an oil spill.
Image: ST Photo/Ng Sor Luan
The spill originated from Pasir Panjang Terminal on Friday, when a vessel collided with an oil bunker, releasing a significant amount of oil into the waters.
The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) first received reports of oil in the waters around Palawan Beach at 9 pm on Friday. By 7 am on Saturday, the slick had spread to Siloso, Tanjong, and Sentosa Cove beaches, according to an SDC spokesperson in a media statement issued at 12:40 pm on Saturday.
Image: Bloomberg, Reuters
"We have since stopped all beach activities in and along the waters of our beaches, and have commenced a clean-up immediately, alongside MPA and relevant authorities," the spokesperson said. The immediate priority is to minimize the impact on Sentosa's waters and surrounding wildlife.
While visitors are still welcome to use the beaches, swimming and other sea activities are currently prohibited. SDC encourages guests to take note of these restrictions and to stay updated on the situation as efforts to clean up the spill continue on Sentosa's website.
