19-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A dramatic maritime incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, July 19, as two vessels erupted in flames approximately 55 kilometres north-east of Pedra Branca, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation for the missing crew members.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a statement confirming that they received alerts at approximately 6 am regarding fires aboard two tankers: the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres 1. The location of the incident falls within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region, placing the responsibility for coordinating rescue efforts squarely on Singaporean authorities.
In response to the emergency, the MPA has mobilised a multi-faceted rescue operation. The authority has issued an urgent request to all vessels in the vicinity to assist in the search and rescue efforts for the crew members, whose current status remains unknown.
The Republic of Singapore Navy has swiftly responded to the crisis, with the RSS Supreme, which was fortunately in close proximity to the incident, providing immediate assistance. This rapid naval response underscores the readiness of Singapore’s maritime forces to address emergencies in their territorial waters.
Adding to the rescue efforts, the Republic of Singapore Air Force has dispatched a helicopter to the scene. The aircraft is playing a crucial role in the evacuation of crew members from the stricken vessels, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Singapore’s emergency response capabilities.
Maritime safety expert, Captain James Lee, commented on the situation: “In incidents like these, time is of the essence. The swift response from both naval and air forces demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to maritime safety and its ability to coordinate complex rescue operations.”
The cause of the fires remains unclear at this stage, and investigations will likely commence once the immediate crisis has been addressed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by seafarers and the importance of robust emergency response protocols in busy shipping lanes.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, with fears of potential oil spills from the burning tankers. The MPA has not yet commented on any environmental impact, but it is expected that measures to contain any possible spillage will be part of the ongoing operation.
