Two vessels in recent collision now stable, no further oil leakage: Maritime and Port Authority

Both vessels involved in the Jan 2 collision off Pedra Branca are now in stable condition, with no further reports of oil leakage, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). -- PHOTO: ST FILE
Both vessels involved in the Jan 2 collision off Pedra Branca are now in stable condition, with no further reports of oil leakage, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). -- PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Both vessels involved in the Jan 2 collision off Pedra Branca are now in stable condition, with no further reports of oil leakage, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

Libyan-registered oil tanker "Alyarmouk" and Singapore-registered bulk carrier "Sinar Kapuas" collided at about 6am, approximately 20km to the north-east of Pedra Branca.

The incident caused an oil spill of some 4,500 tonnes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, MPA said that both vessels have been anchored safely, north-east of Pedra Branca.

Four vessels equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers were deployed to contain the oil spill. Non-toxic and bio-degradable dispersants were used to break up the oil into smaller globules.

MPA said it has also engaged the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) for its technical expertise to assess the nature of the spill.

Satellite imagery obtained on Sunday did not show any of the oil heading towards Bintan.

MPA also said it has been monitoring the movement of the oil patches, including conducting daily aerial surveillance when possible.

Singapore will continue to share available information with the Indonesian authorities and offer its assistance.

hpeishan@sph.com.sg

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