Singapore: Oil spill forces temporary closure of Sentosa Island beaches

Sentosa Island, renowned for its luxury waterfront residences and vibrant tourist attractions, faced an unexpected setback on Saturday (June 15) as authorities closed its beaches due to an oil spill originating from a nearby port.

The incident unfolded at the Pasir Panjang terminal on Friday when a Netherlands-flagged dredger collided with a stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel, causing a spill that has affected the surrounding waters. The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore swiftly responded by initiating extensive clean-up operations to mitigate environmental impact and restore normalcy to the affected areas.

Three of Sentosa’s popular beaches—Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso—have been temporarily closed to the public as crews work to remove visible oil residue.

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Warning signs have been prominently displayed along the affected beaches, advising visitors of the closure and urging them to refrain from entering the water. The MPA confirmed sightings of oil patches and light sheens off the Pasir Panjang Terminal and in the vicinity of the affected beaches, underscoring the urgency of the clean-up efforts.

Sentosa Island, a pivotal tourist destination in Singapore, attracts millions of visitors annually with its array of attractions including a casino, Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, and exclusive residences catering to expatriates and affluent individuals. The closure of its beaches represents a significant disruption to both leisure activities and the island’s reputation as a scenic retreat.

Efforts to address the spill are ongoing, with the MPA deploying specialised response vessels equipped to apply dispersants and recover oil slicks from the water surface. Despite the clean-up operations, maritime traffic in the region has remained unaffected, ensuring continued accessibility to and from the port facilities.

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Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, collaborating with environmental agencies to assess the spill’s impact and implement effective mitigation measures. Regular updates on the progress of clean-up efforts and the status of beach accessibility will be provided as the situation develops.

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Sentosa Island stands as a premier tourist destination in Singapore, renowned for its diverse attractions and picturesque landscapes. Located just minutes away from the bustling city centre, Sentosa offers an enticing blend of leisure, entertainment, and natural beauty. Visitors flock to its pristine beaches like Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong, where they can relax under the sun or engage in water sports. Sentosa’s vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and fine dining options cater to travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement.

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