MPA deploys spill response resources after sightings of oil patches near Semakau landfill

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has activated its oil spill response contractors after several patches of oil were sighted off Pulau Sebarok, Pulau Semakau and Selat Pauh.The affected islands and waterway are between Pulau Bukom and Sentosa.In a news release on Sunday (Nov 1) afternoon, MPA said it was alerted to a sighting of oil in waters off Pulau Sebarok, to the east of Semakau landfill.Its aerial surveillance subsequently confirmed several patches of oil off Pulau Sebarok, Pulau Semakau and Selat Pauh.There were no sightings of oil patches near West Coast, Sentosa, Southern Islands and East Coast.The authority said it has activated its oil response contractors and terminals in the area have also been directed to deploy their spill response resources.Meanwhile, relevant agencies have been alerted to take precautionary measures to protect the shorelines, if necessary, while ships in port have also been asked to report any sightings of oil patches.