Oil Tankers Engulfed in Flames Near Singapore and Malaysia

Picture Courtesy: (AFP) Singapore officials said that two oil tankers erupted in flames off the Singapore coast and that two crew members were airlifted for medical treatment.

(The Post News)- A fire broke out on two oil tankers off the coastlines of Singapore and Malaysia on Friday, July 19. However, all crew have been successfully rescued, say authorities from both countries, with the Malaysian authorities labelling the incident a ‘collision’.

This occurred after a collision between the Hafnia Nile, a Singapore-flagged tanker, and another ship approximately 55 km northeast of Pedra Branca, as confirmed by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore.

This raises concerns about threats to shipping, the ecosystem, and human safety in busy waterways.

The crash’s cause is unclear, but the ageing, often uninsured Ceres 1 highlights the risks of vessels carrying sanctioned petroleum products through the Straits of Malacca.

This region, located east of the Malaysian peninsula, has been a hub of dark fleet activity.

The Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of neighbouring Malaysia described the incident as a ‘collision’ and stated that they also provided rescue assistance to the area.
According to an update from Singapore’s MPA, the Hafnia Nile had 22 crew on board, and the Ceres 1 carried 40, and all crew members are confirmed safe and accounted for.

The Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Supreme retrieved 16 crew members from the Hafnia Nile.

Additionally, six crew members who abandoned ship in a lifeboat were rescued by a Malaysian vessel and transferred to the RSS Supreme. The MPA reported that they are all receiving medical treatment while being transported to shore.

A Singapore-flagged offshore supply vessel that was in the area rescued 14 crew members from the Ceres 1, and two of them were later transported by a Singaporean Air Force helicopter to a hospital for medical attention, as stated by the MPA.

The remaining 26 crew members of Ceres 1 are currently working to put out the fire on board the tanker, as per the MPA.

Pictures from the Singapore Navy and the MMEA revealed heavy black smoke pouring out of the ships.

Malaysia’s Department of Environment has been alerted “for possible response in case of an oil spill,” the MMEA stated.