Authorities in Singapore and Malaysia responded to a serious maritime emergency: Two tankers catch fire after major collision. The incident, reported by the South China Morning Post, highlights the risks associated with “dark fleet” vessels operating in some of the world’s busiest waterways.
Two oil tankers catch fire due to heavy collision
The tanker Ceres I had carried cargoes from Iran and Venezuela in the past two years, according to data from Kpler, a market intelligence firm. This ship, built in 2001, continues to operate well beyond the average service life of such vessels, and its P&I insurer remains unknown, a common feature among ships in the dark fleet.
[post_relacionado]The collision occurred approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Pedra Branca, within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore(MPA) was informed of the incident at around 6:15 am local time.
The Republic of Singapore Navy’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme rescued 16 crew members from the tanker Hafnia Nile. In addition, six crewmembers from the Hafnia Nile who were in a life raft were picked up by a Malaysian government vessel and transferred to the RSS Supreme. All of the Hafnia Nile crewmembers are receiving medical care aboard the RSS Supreme as they head back to Singapore.
A supply vessel, the Singapore-flagged Dolphin 1 Singapore-flagged supply vessel, the Dolphin 1, which was close to the accident site, rescued 14 crew members from the Ceres I. Two of these crew members were evacuated by a Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter and are receiving medical care at the Singapore General Hospital.
Two oil tankers caught fire and rescued their crew. Source: ABS-CBN News
In its most recent update, the MPA reported that the remaining 26 crewmembers remaining crewmembers of the Ceres I are conducting firefighting operations on board. The owners of both vessels have deployed salvage and firefighting resources to support these tasks and prepare to tow the vessels to safety. So far, shipping traffic in the area has not been affected.
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Source and photo: scmp