 |
| Photo Credit: Ryan Tay |
Following on an earlier excursion with the NUS Tropical Marine Science Institute, our second intertidal trip took us to Cyrene Reef on Friday evening, 10 Oct 2025 - a submerged site just off the Southwest coast of Singapore.
 |
| Photo Credit: Ryan Tay |
Terumbu Pandan (Cyrene Reef) is approximately 1km long and sits right next to busy shipping lanes where huge tankers and ocean-going vessels pass through. The petrochemical plants on Pulau Bukom and PSA's Pasir Panjang Terminal (which is gradually phased out as operations are consolidated at Tuas) surround this unique location.
 |
| Photo Credit: Dr. Nicholas Yap |
Participants were treated to a beautiful sunset at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club prior to boarding the ferry vessel. An amphibious landing is the only way to reach this site as the reef is only visible during low tide requiring the use of a dinghy from the ferry. A thorough briefing was conducted by Dr. Yap a week prior to ensure that safety pointers are observed and what to expect.
 |
| Photo Credit: Dr. Nicholas Yap |
It was a race against time thereafter as the looming darkness and rising tide allowed for only 2 hours of active shooting. The gradually rising tide meant sinking deeper underwater on the reef while focusing on subjects and lighting them up got more challenging by the minute.
 |
Photo Credit: Ben Ee
|
 |
| Photo Credit: TM Seah |
 |
Photo Credit: TM Seah
|
 |
| Photo Credit: TM Seah |
 |
| Photo Credit: TM Seah |
After everyone was extracted from the reef and headed back to mainland, Dr. Nicholas Yap gave everyone a quick debrief. Interesting findings were shared, alongside noting down challenges and ideas to resolve some of the technical issues encountered this round.
 |
| Photo Credit: Ryan Tay |
We thank Dr. Yap and the TMSI team for hosting us and look forward to the next adventure!
Contributor: Ryan Tay, Editor: Benjamin Koh
