2 heavy tankers collide near Tuas Second Link, chemical tank falls into sea, NEA advises against water activities

A chemical tank fell into the sea after two chemical tankers collided near the Tuas Second Link on the Malaysian side of the land crossing.

Chemical tanker collided with another tanker and fell into the sea

Fire and Rescue Department personnel from the Iskandar Puteri station and the Larkin hazmat unit were dispatched to the scene, arriving within 16 minutes.

A hazardous materials unit was deployed to the scene, arriving after 16 minutes, the New Straits Times reported.

Both drivers survived the crash, and the other tanker remained intact with no chemical spill on the bridge.

The tank that fell into the sea carried propylene glycol, a colourless and almost odourless liquid substance that is commonly used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals.

While propylene glycol is considered low in toxicity, it can be harmful to animals if ingested in large quantities.

Propylene glycol is biodegradable and the quantity can decrease by half within a few days to a week.

NEA advises against water activities in the waters around Tuas Second Link and Raffles Marina

The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a late night advisory on Jul. 24 to advise members of the public against water activities and recreational fishing in the waters around Tuas Second Link, including areas around Raffles Marina.

NEA also said Singapore's government agencies are in close communication with their Malaysia counterparts.

NEA is also actively monitoring water quality in the affected area.

The Singapore Food Agency has alerted fish farms in the area to be vigilant, have mitigation measures on standby, and notify them if there are abnormal fish and water conditions.

Propylene glycol may cause low dissolved oxygen levels in the Lim Chu Kang fish farming zone.

Singapore's desalination plants are currently not affected and Singapore's water agency PUB is closely monitoring the seawater intake at the plants, NEA added.

The crash came just a day after Malaysia and Singapore conducted a joint chemical spill simulation exercise at the Second Link.

Top photo from Community Rodar Johor/Facebook