Vox Maxima TSHD accident: The next phase of oil spill cleanup has begun

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has just released the latest update on the horrific accident in which the Dutch-flagged dredger Vox Maxima rammed the fuel supply vessel Marine Honor on Friday.

The next phase of cleanup operations has begun with the additional use of various oil booms and oil recovery systems.

So far, 1,500 m of booms have been deployed, and a further 1,600 m will be deployed at selected locations over the next few days to help contain the oil accumulations and facilitate clean-up operations off the beaches and coasts.

As a preventive measure, additional barriers will also be deployed in front of Changi East, the MPA said.

Last week, an excavator damaged one of the cargo tanks of the Singapore-flagged ship Marine Honor, causing low-sulphur oil to leak into the sea.

Although the leak was contained, the tide washed the spilled oil, which had been treated with dispersants, further along the coast, including to the popular holiday island of Sentosa.

More than 250 workers are involved in the clean-up effort.

As a precautionary measure, the public is advised against swimming at Changi Beach and other water sports involving direct contact until further notice, the MPA said.