Bangkok, June 17 (EFE).- Singapore authorities are working this Monday to clean the waters and coasts of this city-state after the collision between a dredge boat and a stationary tanker caused a leak. of fuel oil that threatens marine life.
The government agencies coordinating the cleanup efforts indicated in a joint statement that beaches have been closed and water activities restricted to facilitate the work after the collision, which occurred on Friday afternoon.
According to initial investigations, the Dutch-flagged dredger VOX MAXIMA suffered a sudden loss of engine and steering control before colliding with the Singaporean tanker MARINE HONOR, causing one of the tankers to rupture. fuel.
After plugging the leak, authorities used dispersant substances and a floating liquid separator in the affected waters to reduce the impact and placed booms around the two ships to prevent further possible leaks.
Fuel oil, black in color like petroleum, is the heaviest distillate fuel at atmospheric pressure and is used as fuel for electric power plants, boilers and furnaces.
Singapore authorities explained that the use of dispersants can help break down the fuel on the surface into smaller droplets, which would promote biodegradation.
Due to the currents created by the tides, the fuel reached some coasts, including the tourist Sentosa, as well as some islands south of the city-state, a nature reserve and a beach.
The statement indicated that both the beach and the nature reserve have been closed to facilitate cleaning efforts, while Sentosa beach remains open, but bathing and water activities are prohibited.
The authorities have deployed 18 boats for cleaning work and have placed more than 1,500 meters of barriers since Saturday to enclose the contaminated waters and plan to place another 1,600 meters in the coming days.
In addition to deployed personnel, the authorities have 1,500 volunteers who have offered to collaborate in the cleanup.
(c) EFE Agency
