At 1420hrs, divers from salvage company, Semco Salvage and Marine Pte Ltd, had inspected the tanker, Hikari 2, which collided with a dredger Volvox Delta off Squance Buoy, south of Pulau Ubin this morning. Two centre tanks of the vessel, Hikari 2, were found to be damaged. About 230 metric tons of the chemical, Phenol , had escaped into the sea. There is no report of any further leakage.

As a general precaution, the public is advised not to fish and to avoid going into the waters in the area until further notice. The areas include the sea and beaches from Punggol Point to Changi Point, including Coney Island, Pasir Ris Beach, Changi Beach and Pulau Ubin Beach.

The MPA is investigating the cause of the incident.

End of Release.