Tanker Sinks in Singapore Waters: Crew Rescued Off Pedra Branca
SINGAPORE: A Malaysia-registered tanker sank in Singapore’s territorial waters off Pedra Branca on Sunday (Jan 12), triggering a swift response from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to ensure the safety of all crew members on board.
Crew Saved in Dramatic Rescue Operation
The distress call from the Silver Sincere was received by MPA at approximately 3.40pm, alerting them to the dire situation as the vessel began to take in water. In a race against time, all eight crew members managed to evacuate the sinking ship by boarding life rafts, awaiting rescue.
These brave seafarers were fortunate to be spotted and saved by the Indonesia-registered freighter Intan Daya 368, which swiftly responded to the distress call and safely recovered the crew. The collaborative efforts of MPA, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Singapore Police Coast Guard ensured a successful search and rescue operation.
All Crew Members Safe and Sound
In a sigh of relief, MPA confirmed that all crew members were in good health and will be disembarked at Batu Ampar, Indonesia. The authorities wasted no time activating salvage tugs to recover the sunken vessel, while oil spill response craft were mobilized as a precautionary measure to prevent environmental damage.
Navigational Safety Measures in Place
Despite the intense rescue operation, MPA remains vigilant in ensuring navigational safety in the Singapore Strait, with no disruptions reported. Navigational safety advisories have been issued to caution passing vessels to steer clear of the incident site, minimizing the risk of further mishaps.
In a heartening turn of events, Sunday’s successful rescue mission echoed the previous day’s efforts when Singapore played a crucial role in saving 18 crew members aboard a Vietnam-flagged freighter, Dolphin 18, which had also sunk but saw all crew members safely rescued.
As we celebrate the safe return of these seafarers, let us not forget the sacrifices and challenges faced by maritime workers in the line of duty. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity remind us of the unsung heroes who brave the seas to keep global trade afloat. Let’s continue to support and appreciate these brave souls who ensure the smooth sailing of our interconnected world.