24 June Update on Joint Oil Spill and Monitoring Operations
Bulk Oil Removal Near Completion, Specialized Clean-Up Begins
Progress Update:
- Bulk oil removal from sea and beaches is nearly done.
- No oil slicks observed along East Coast and Changi since June 18.
- 550 tonnes of oil-soaked sand and debris collected.
- Over 700 personnel deployed since June 14 for clean-up operations.
Next Phase:
- Focus on removing trapped oil in coastal areas, waterside infrastructures, and rock bunds.
- Specialized resources and equipment will be used.
- Estimated three months for heavy impacted areas like Sentosa’s Tanjong and Palawan beaches.
- Less impacted areas to be cleaned sooner, with progressive reopening of beaches.
Ongoing Efforts:
- Monitoring and cleaning operations continue, especially in biodiversity-sensitive areas.
- Public advised against swimming at affected beaches until water quality normalizes.
- Sentosa Cove less affected due to early containment measures.
- Vessel movements in Sentosa Cove halted until safe to resume.
Additional Areas:
- Clean-up around Pasir Panjang Container Terminal largely complete.
- No oil observed at Eastern Anchorages, Changi, and Pasir Ris Park beaches.
- Precautionary measures in place at West Coast Park, Chek Jawa Wetlands, Pasir Ris Park, and Coney Island Park.
Community Involvement:
- Over 1,500 volunteers interested in helping.
- Ongoing biodiversity impact monitoring by volunteers and marine experts.
Public Safety:
- Local fish safe to consume; air and water quality within safe levels.
- Beachfront businesses remain open, except those affected by closures.
MARINE HONOUR Update:
- Remaining oil on MARINE HONOUR being transferred; expected to take 1-2 weeks.
- Collaboration with Malaysian authorities on oil slick observations off Johor.
