A fire broke out late Wednesday evening at floating fish farms off Lorong Halus Jetty, affecting multiple sea bass rearing sites and resulting in substantial financial loss for the owners. Firefighters and marine vessels battled the flames for over three hours before bringing the situation under control.
- Fire affected two sea bass fish farms near Pulau Ubin
- Estimated losses exceed S$120,000; no injuries reported
- Cause under investigation; lightning strike suspected
What happened
At around 8pm on June 24, a fire broke out on floating fish farms off Lorong Halus Jetty near Pulau Ubin. The Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted and mounted a large-scale response involving marine vessels from the Maritime and Port Authority and Airport Emergency Service. The firefighting operation lasted more than three hours, successfully extinguishing the blaze without any injuries reported.
Two fish farms rearing sea bass sustained damage. Nets partially melted, allowing fish to escape, and key infrastructure such as sheds storing fish food and equipment were destroyed. The affected farms, including Ketam Island Fisheries, faced significant operational setbacks, with estimated losses including both lost fish and rebuilding costs.
Why it feels good
Despite the damage, the community spirit was evident as neighboring fish farms and public members quickly stepped in to assist containment efforts. This collaborative effort helped prevent the fire from spreading further, showcasing resilience and teamwork among Singapore’s fish farming community.
Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the farms still have a supply of fish to continue serving local restaurants and eateries for the coming months. Authorities are actively investigating the incident to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing safety and ongoing support for farm owners.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on updates from the Singapore Food Agency and the Fish Farmers Association as they work together with fire officials to support recovery efforts and assess the full impact. Farm owners will be implementing enhanced safety measures, possibly including lightning protection improvements, to safeguard against similar risks.
For those interested in sustainable seafood and local aquaculture, this incident highlights the challenges faced by fish farmers and the importance of community resilience in preserving Singapore’s food supply. Stay tuned for stories on recovery initiatives and innovations in fish farming safety and sustainability.