All beaches on Sentosa were closed on Saturday following an oil spill that had spread from Pasir Panjang Terminal in Singapore.
Residents of Sentosa Cove – an upscale development with houses and condominiums – were told on Saturday morning that as of 7am (local time), an oil spill had been observed at beaches across Sentosa, including Palawan, Siloso, Tanjong and Sentosa Cove.
In a letter from property management company Knight Frank, Sentosa Cove residents were informed that oil had spread from a spillage that occurred the day before at Pasir Panjang Terminal when a vessel hit a bunker.
Sentosa Development Corporation was first informed at 9pm on Friday of an oil spill around Palawan Beach, according to the letter seen by CNA.
“We have since closed all the beaches for any activities and have commenced a clean-up immediately, alongside the relevant authorities,” said Knight Frank.
“To prevent contamination, we will not be allowing vessels in and out of the waterways for the time being, until further notice.”
CNA has asked Sentosa Development Corporation for comment.
As of 9am, thick, black oil was seen covering large swathes of Tanjong Beach, a popular spot for leisure activities.
A visitor, walking her dog at the time, said that the stench was “unbelievable”.
On Friday, an oil spill took place in the waters off Pasir Panjang Terminal when a dredger hit a stationary bunker vessel.
The allision, which happened at 2.20pm, resulted in oil from the damaged cargo tank on board the bunker vessel, Marine Honour, spilling into the water.
A media statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) at 6pm said a clean-up operation was under way and that the spill had been contained.
Pasir Panjang Terminal is on the mainland of Singapore, several kilometres west of Sentosa.