East Coast Park partially reopens: Water sports resume after oil spill cleanup, swimming still discouraged

In a significant development for outdoor enthusiasts, two sections of East Coast Park in Singapore have officially reopened for water sports after being closed for cleanup following an oil spill on June 14. The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on July 22 that while it is now safe to use the beach, swimming and primary contact water sports remain inadvisable due to ongoing water quality concerns.

"While it is safe to use the beach, the public is advised not to swim or undertake primary contact water sports such as wakeboarding and stand-up paddling in the beach waters," the NEA stated. This advisory underscores the agency's commitment to ensuring public safety while allowing some recreational activities to resume.

The Incident and Cleanup Efforts

The oil spill occurred when the Netherlands-flagged dredging boat Vox Maxima collided with the stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour, resulting in a massive spill of 400 tonnes of oil. The accident led to widespread contamination along various shorelines, including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, the Southern Islands, Marina South Pier, and East Coast Park. The oil also reached Malaysia's southern coast, affecting approximately 1km of shoreline in Pengerang, Johor state.

Following the spill, extensive cleanup efforts were initiated. At East Coast Park, the NEA deployed trained personnel equipped with specialized tools to remove oil from challenging areas such as rock bunds and sand. Booms were also placed to prevent further contamination. The NEA confirmed that bulk oil had been successfully removed from the park's land and sea areas, allowing for the reopening of sections B and E for non-primary contact water sports like kayaking.

Ongoing Monitoring and Safety Measures

Despite the reopening, the NEA emphasized that it would continue to monitor water quality closely. "Only when the water quality returns to normal and is stable can water activities fully resume," the agency noted. This ongoing vigilance is crucial to ensuring that the beach remains safe for all users.

Land-based activities at areas B and E have also resumed normal operations, providing a semblance of normalcy for park visitors. However, other parts of East Coast Park remain cordoned off as cleanup efforts continue. "This is an iterative cleaning process as oil that flows out from the cleaning of one site could pollute a new site or re-pollute another site," the NEA explained.

Broader Environmental Impact

The oil spill's impact extended beyond Singapore's shores, affecting various coastal regions. In Johor, Malaysia, cleanup operations were nearly completed by July 1, with efforts extending to nearby islands like Pulau Che Kamat after traces of oil sludge were discovered.

The reopening of two beach sections at East Coast Park for water sports is a positive step forward, but the advisory against swimming highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the oil spill. The NEA's diligent monitoring and cleanup efforts are crucial to restoring the park's environment and ensuring public safety. As the situation evolves, visitors are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories.