Oil Spill: Mt. Bunga Kelana Tanker Collision In Strait Of Singapore Spills 756,000 Gallons
Big Oil has a shameful history. That’s why in this series we are highlighting som e of its most recent disastrous oil spills and raising awareness of the devastation that will occur if the industry is allowed to drill in the Arctic and off our coasts. Join us in the effort to protect our special places from drilling!
The Malaysian registered oil tanker, Mt. Bunga Kelana collided with a bulk carrier in the Strait of Singapore, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. The carrier ripped a 10 meter long gash in the side of the tanker, causing 2,500 tons of light crude oil to spill into the water. Chemical dispersants were used in an effort to keep the 18,000 barrels released into the sea from reaching the coastline, and wreaking havoc on wildlife and coastal habitats.
The chemical dispersants however leave carcinogenic, mutagenic, and highly toxic droplets of oil floating throughout the ocean at all depths. These droplets are ingested by marine species such as fish, shrimp, and oysters, and poison the fish eggs they come in to contact with. People who in turn consume this seafood can build up toxins in their bodies over time.
Join us in telling President Obama to protect America’s Arctic from the dangers of drilling! https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=7695
By Jessie Tucker
Photo courtesy of Jordan Macha
