UPDATE on the Vox Maxima disaster: The removal of the oil masses is nearing completion

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has just released the latest update on the horrific accident in which the dredger Vox Maxima collided with the fuel supply vessel Marine Honor. It said that the removal of the oil spill from the sea and beaches is almost complete.

Both satellite and drone images have shown no oil slick along the east coast and in Changi since June 18.

In addition, most of the oil-soaked sand has been removed from most of the affected public beaches, with the exception of Tanjong and Palawan beaches in Sentosa.

So far, about 550 tons of oil-soaked sand and debris have been collected from all affected beaches.

“We are now moving into the next phase of cleanup, which will focus on the more difficult removal of oil residues in coastal areas, shoreline infrastructure and rock banks. These areas are not as easily accessible and oil could be trapped in crevices and under beach surfaces that require significant effort to clean up.,” said MPA.

The new phase requires special resources and equipment.

This cleanup will be carried out carefully, taking into account the conditions at each site, such as wind, tides and currents, to minimise re-contamination of the coastline, beaches and biodiversity-sensitive areas by the oil on the rock walls, the MPA said.