16-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) A maritime search mission has been launched to locate a crew member who has been reported missing aboard the Liberia-flagged vessel, UTOPIA, in the waters of Singapore. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) revealed that the incident was brought to the attention of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at approximately 3:30 am on Friday.
Taking swift action, the MPA, alongside the Police Coast Guard and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, swiftly deployed their resources to initiate a search operation within the confines of Singapore Port Limits. The MPA issued a statement today, confirming the involvement of these entities in the ongoing search efforts.
Furthermore, the MPA has proactively issued navigational safety broadcasts, urging vessels both in the vicinity and at port to remain vigilant and report any sightings to MRCC Singapore. With the combined efforts of the MPA, the police coast guard, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, a comprehensive search operation has been set in motion to locate the missing crew member.
The UTOPIA, identified as a bulk carrier, is currently anchored in Singapore’s Eastern Anchorage, situated in the waters south of East Coast Park, according to information obtained from the marine vessel tracking site, Marinetraffic.com. Bulk carriers are renowned for their ability to transport substantial quantities of unpackaged bulk cargo, including metal ores, coal, cereal, and salt.
As the search operation continues, authorities remain committed to exhausting all available resources in their efforts to locate the missing crew member. The MPA continues to emphasize the importance of maritime safety and urges all vessels to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with the ongoing search efforts.
