News

A recent palm oil spill, which took place on the evening of August 3, in the Pearl River Delta, is threatening marine life in the Hong Kong region. It is believed that the Japanese GMS Chemical Tanker, Global Apollon and the Pacific International Lines containership, Kota Ganteng collided southwest of Hong Kong. The Global Apollon was carrying 9,000 tons of raw palm oil and a significant, unknown amount spilled into the Pearl River Delta as a result of the collision. After the spill the ship left Hong Kong waters for Singapore. 

Hong Kong officials said they were unaware of the spill until two days later on August 5, and have been criticized for their slow response to the situation. Meanwhile, concerned citizens set out to clean up the solidified masses of palm oil from the beaches around Hong Kong.

Unfortunately, nesting season has just begun for green sea turtles and the last remaining nesting grounds at Turtle Cove are now under threat. Hundreds of dead fish have also been found around Hong Kong and linked to the spillage. Apparently, when the fish eat the oil it solidifies in their stomachs causing it to coat their gills and leads to a slow death.

Read more here.