An investigation by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) revealed that the oil slick at Sembawang Beach was caused by a Brazilian-flagged vessel "RIO COARI". It was berthed for repairs at the Sembawang Shipyard which is located near Sembawang Park. About 100 litres of marine fuel oil escaped into the sea during an inter-tank transfer of oil by the vessel's engineers.

Patches of oil sheen were sighted at the shoreline. No oil was sighted in the waters off Sembawang Beach. Clean-up operations for the beach are being carried out by the Ministry of Environment.

MPA officers have been at the scene to monitor the situation since the sighting of the oil slick on 4 Mar 98. An MPA craft is on standby at the scene to respond if required.

Further investigations are in progress. The MPA will take appropriate action against those who caused the pollution as the MPA takes a serious view of such pollution incidents.

End of Statement.