A group of Chinese tourists had their photo opportunity spoiled by the pollution.
“Tanjong Beach is a popular photo spot because Jay Chou had come here before, but because of this incident, there’s no way I can take any photos,” said 29-year-old tourist Gao Jia from Xinjiang, China.
“I was thinking, with the sunset, this place would look beautiful … now I just feel very disappointed,” she said in Mandarin.
IMPACT ON MARINE LIFE
Sentosa Development Corporation said earlier on Saturday that apart from cleaning up the beaches, it is also focusing on minimising the impact on its waters and surrounding wildlife.
Local conservation group Marine Stewards told CNA that the affected marine wildlife appeared to be mainly around the Southern Islands, although it is too early to see the full extent of the damage.
According to Marine Stewards founder Sue Ye, the group is aware of one kingfisher that has been rescued from Marina at Keppel Bay. Another kingfisher was seen covered in oil at Lazarus Island.
“We have also seen photos of dead fish, and otters covered in oil,” she said.
The non-governmental organisation is helping to facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of any affected marine wildlife together with Friends of Marine Park. ACRES is also ready to assist, said Ms Ye.
“It is still too early to see the full extent of the damage as different animals may be affected in different ways,” she added.
“We do not know if all of the oil is getting adequately cleaned up, or how long that will take, as the oil spill covers a large area between Pasir Panjang all the way to East Coast Park. Cleaning up the oil may involve the introduction of even more chemicals into the water that could affect marine life.”
Singapore authorities said that the oil spill from the vessel had been contained and there had been no further leak from the ship since Friday evening.
“The oil that escaped from the damaged tank had been treated by dispersants,” they added.
“Close to 1,500 metres of container booms have been deployed and more will be laid over the next few days to prevent further spread of oil onto the shore, and facilitate the recovery of the trapped oil off the affected shorelines and lagoons to prevent them from going back to sea.”
