East Coast Park has started to reopen parts of its beach after last month’s oil spill. Areas B and E of the park are now accessible to visitors as of Monday, July 22. However, authorities have advised against swimming in these sections until the water quality returns to safe levels.
Cleanup Efforts Lead to Partial Reopening
The cleanup operations in East Coast Park’s Areas B and E have been successfully completed, allowing the cordons to be removed. Despite this progress, other sections of the park, specifically Areas C, D, F, G, and H, remain closed as further cleaning continues.
Incident Overview
The oil spill occurred on June 14 when a dredger flagged from the Netherlands collided with a stationary bunker vessel. This collision resulted in a significant spill from the damaged cargo tank of the bunker vessel, releasing oil into the surrounding waters.
Impact on Coastal Areas
The aftermath of the spill saw oil washing up on several beaches, including those at Sentosa, East Coast Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Additionally, the spill affected beaches on St John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu islands, with oil slicks also observed at Marina South Pier. The environmental impact has prompted extensive cleanup efforts across these areas to restore the beaches and ensure safety for public use.
Ongoing Monitoring and Advisories
Authorities continue to monitor the water quality in the reopened areas. Visitors to East Coast Park are urged to adhere to the advisory against swimming and remain cautious while the situation is closely observed and managed. The reopening of the remaining areas will depend on the successful completion of further cleanup operations and confirmation of safe water conditions.
Also learn about Istana to Host Open House on July 28 for National Day Celebrations.
