After a dredger collided with a tanker, spilling 400 tons of oil into the sea, the island of Singapore is now dealing with an oil spill that threatens people and nature. Experts are concerned.
The Dutch-flagged dredger “Vox Maxima” was unable to maneuver due to a defect and rammed and damaged the Singaporean tanker “Marine Honor” on Friday (photo below). According to reports, about 400 tons of heavy oil spilled into the sea, which is now polluting the beaches.
Nature reserves are also threatened
According to Singapore’s maritime and environmental authorities, oil barriers have been erected and the oil has been treated with dispersants. Nevertheless, the oil slick reached the coast due to the tidal current. Those affected by the oil spill include the Sentosa resort, which is popular with tourists from all over the world, and a nature reserve.
Beaches across the country are closed until further notice. Emergency services and marine conservationists are desperately trying to contain the oil spill. The authorities constructed almost 1,500 meters of floating barriers and deployed 18 boats for the clearing and cleaning work.
Oil suffocates marine animals
Dead, oil-covered fish, otters and birds are being discovered in abundance, according to conservation group Marine Stewards. The oil film mainly suffocates marine animals such as turtles and dolphins. Tourists report black, oil-polluted beaches and a strong stench.
“The oil spill is a growing environmental disaster impacting some of the most important and biodiverse marine protected areas and fisheries in the region,” Heng Kiah Chun of the NGO Greenpeace told Bloomberg.
Source: Krone
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