We've all seen it – the black oil coating our picturesque beaches and oil sheen in some canals and waterways. On June 14, a Netherlands-flagged dredger lost engine and steering control and collided with a Singapore-flagged bunker vessel, causing a major oil spill. Since then, the oil has spread to all three beaches on Sentosa and slicked our shoreline as far as East Coast Park.
Major cleanup operations are underway, with professionals installing containment and oil-absorbent booms to limit the spread and clear up our waters. While this is happening, the public is advised to stay away from affected waters and beaches. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the coastal breeze or Sentosa's many attractions. To help you plan, we've answered all your burning questions about where you can (or cannot) go and how you can help with the situation.
Which beaches are closed?
Take your mats out for a seaside picnic if you want, just steer clear of the following beaches which are now closed for cleanup works.
East Coast Park beaches in Area B to H are all closed for cleaning. You can still visit Sentosa's beaches, but sea activities and swimming are not allowed at Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beaches. The promenade at Labrador Nature Reserve has also reopened, but the jetty and shore are still inaccessible.
If you were planning a visit to St. John's, Lazarus, and Kusu Islands, you might want to postpone as all the islands' beaches are closed too. Seaside glamping destination Into the Woods is also reaching out to guests who've booked stays to make alternative arrangements.
What can I still do in the affected areas?
Many of these affected areas are recreational spots, popular with tourists and locals alike. While it's best to stay away from the shores for your well-being, there's no harm in visiting the businesses and establishments in the area – there's a chance that they'll experience reduced footfall, so they'll need all the help they can get.
There's the wider Marine Parade area to explore at East Coast Park, for example. Our neighbourhood guide highlights attractions like Singapore Wake Park, Xtreme Skatepark, and PS Café by the Sea. And Sentosa's not just about its beaches – you can go electric go-karting at Hyperdrive, admire marine creatures at the SEA Aquarium, and even take the plunge at the AJ Hackett Sentosa bungy jump. For more to do, eat, and see, check out our ultimate guide to Sentosa.
The coastal walks at Labrador Nature Reserve may be slightly marred by oil sheen and containment booms right now, but you can also explore the World War II relics further inland. There are old forts, guns, and underground tunnels to check out, as well as romantic dinner venues like Tamarind Hill.
How can I help the cleanup effort?
Besides frequenting these seaside attractions, some of you may want to help more directly.
The oil clean-up is potentially hazardous, so it's best to leave that to the professionals. However, you can register your details at this Google form put up by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and you might be activated for beach boundary patrols or post-impact habitat and biodiversity surveys. As of June 16 (12pm), the sign-up form has gathered around 14,000 signatures.
What if I see an oil-slicked animal?
The oil spill presents a major inconvenience for residents and recreational users at the affected beaches. But for the wildlife that live in these marine and mangrove habitats, the spill could mean life or death. If you encounter any oil-slicked animal in the coming days, do contact the Animal Response Centre's 24-hour hotline at 1800 476 1600 so that affected animals can get the urgent care they need.
Where can I stay updated on the situation?
The oil spill situation is still developing. More affected areas may be discovered and closed off in the coming days, while cleaned-up beaches may become accessible again. Stay updated on national news sites, Minister Desmond Lee's Instagram, and on the social pages of environmental conservation and community organisations like Marine Stewards, Friends of Marine Park, and Ocean Purpose Project.
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