Cleaning inspection on Coloane beaches continues

The Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) announced yesterday that the black oily substance on the Hac Sa and Cheoc Van beaches is subsiding, but a cleaning inspection in the area continues.

This inspection comes after a video went viral on social media on Tuesday, which showed what seemed to be a ship releasing oil into the Inner Harbor’s waters.

The Times contacted the bureau to further enquire about where the alleged oil spill came from and the measures they were undertaking; however, the only reply  received was a statement which was also issued on their website.

“Today, there were essentially no black substances found on the beach of Cheoc Van,” DSAMA assured in the statement they posted on their website.

“While it is possible that these substances are carried by the waters to the beaches, DSAMA has posted warnings on these two beaches, calling on citizens and tourists to pay attention to this situation and not enter the beaches,” it added.

On Tuesday, the bureau explained that pollutants had drifted ashore and that they could not yet identify the substance.

Yesterday, DSAMA claimed that the substance was only a ‘sludge from a dredging boat while sailing’ in the harbor.

A DSAMA statement indicated that the relevant departments continue to pay attention to this situation and, if there is an abnormality, they shall immediately follow up on the matter. The Environmental Protection Bureau also sends officials to periodically monitor and inspect Macau’s coastal zones.”