Emergency teams scrambled to contain an oil spill, after two ships collided off Singapore's eastern shore.

The accident happened just past 6 on Tuesday (25 May)morning off Changi, between a Malaysian registered oil tanker and a St Vincents and The Grenadines-registered bulk carrier.

They collided at a commercial stretch of the Singapore Strait -- just 13 kilometres off Changi.

The tanker suffered damage to one of its cargo tanks, resulting in an oil spill.

By Tuesday afternoon, the spill had grown to about 4 kilometres by 1 kilometre.

No one was injured in the accident.

Hetty Musfirah headed for the scene and files this report on what happened out at sea.

The search for the two vessels started from one degree 15 at Sentosa.

Their exact location is said to be outside Singapore's port limits.

"I am travelling on a boat at about 32 kilometres per hour. I have been told that I will take about one hour to get to the location of the collision. Both vessels are currently anchored at the Singapore Strait. "

About half an hour into the ride - signs of the spill appear.

Soon after, the boat captain spotted one of the vessels- the Malaysian registered tanker named the Bunga Kelana 3.

A 10-metre tear bore evidence of the damage to the cargo tanks.

It's estimated that some 2,500 tonnes of crude oil were spilled.

Containment and clean-up efforts, led by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) were in progress.

Mr Hoo Chew Thai has witnessed four similar incidents and described the incident this time round, as "mild".

"The extent of the damage of the oil spill actually is not bad, considering, looking at the conditions, it can be considered quite ok. However, it will take MPA a hard time to clean up the oil spill, at least a two-day job."

By evening, more than 80 people were on site to help manage the spill.

About 20 vessels - some equipped with non-toxic and bio-degradable agents, were deployed to break up the slick.

Sea traffic was not affected but M-P-A has issued a warning to ships in the area.

MPA said it also is working with AET, the operator of MT Bunga Kelana 3, the tanker that was damaged and caused the oil spill -- to have 200 personnel on standby to clean up the coastlines should the need arise.

It is also working with relevant agencies like the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and National Environment Agency. and National Parks Board, Police Coast Guard and Republic of Singapore Navy.

Marinas and waterfront facilities near the area have also been alerted.

MPA said both parties involved are liable for the costs of the clean up efforts.

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) says MPA is already working with the Malaysian authorities to manage the oil spill.

It says Singapore will continue to give full assistance and cooperation to Indonesia and Malaysia to contain and clean up the spill.


This incident make our base full of smell. And we kanna activate to clear a oil.