Singapore Rushes to Clean Up Oil Spill After Dredger Collision 

KUALA LUMPUR (AP) -- A dredger boat collision with a stationary cargo tanker has caused an oil spill that blackened parts of Singapore's southern coastline, including the popular resort island of Sentosa. The incident has raised concerns about potential threats to marine wildlife, prompting a clean-up operation on Sunday.

The Netherlands-flagged dredger Vox Maxima collided with the Singaporean fuel supply ship Marine Honor on Friday, damaging the cargo tank on Marine Honor and causing an oil leak.

Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority announced late Saturday that the oil leak had been contained and treated with dispersants. However, due to tidal currents, treated oil had reached shorelines, including Sentosa and other southern islands, a nature reserve, and a public beach park. Sentosa, a major tourist destination with a casino, golf courses, and Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios theme park, was affected.

Sections of the beachfront at the public park and nature reserve have been closed for clean-up. While Sentosa beach remains open, sea activities and swimming are prohibited.

On Sunday, workers in orange suits were seen cleaning up an empty beach in Sentosa, scooping up sand as black water washed ashore. Authorities have deployed 18 crafts and nearly 1,500 meters of containment booms to trap the oil spill and prevent further spread. More booms will be laid in the coming days to aid in the recovery of trapped oil and prevent it from re-entering the sea.

Conservationists and biologists are monitoring the impact on marine wildlife. Local conservation group Marine Stewards reported sightings of dead fish, otters, and kingfishers covered in oil. Group founder Sue Ye told the Singapore Straits Times that oil spills can smother and suffocate fish, birds, and marine animals that surface for air, such as turtles and dolphins.