Oil Spill Occurs Off Changi During Bunkering Operations

SINGAPORE, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- An estimated five tonnes of oil spilt into Singapore waters off Changi during a bunkering operation between a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier, INES CORRADO, and a licensed bunker tanker on Monday.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said that bunkering operations ceased immediately following the 5.40 pm incident, and the overflow has stopped.

“MPA craft arrived at about 5.50 pm and sprayed dispersants. Relevant government agencies have been alerted to keep a lookout for any oil sightings along the shores. There is no impact on navigational traffic,” the MPA said in two statements on Tuesday.

It reported that as of 8 am on Tuesday, no oil had been sighted at sea in the vicinity of the incident or ashore.

The MPA has deployed a current buster off Changi as a precautionary measure to recover any oil on the water if sighted.

Malaysian authorities have also been alerted to monitor for oil sightings.

The MPA said that it would be investigating the incident.

-- BERNAMA