Crew Rescued and Engaged in Firefighting Following Tanker Collision

The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that it was notified of a fire on both the Singapore-flagged product tanker Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres 1 at approximately 06:15 hours SGT on July 19. The incident occurred about 55 kilometers northeast of Pedra Branca.

The fire resulted from a collision between the two vessels, the Hafnia Nile and the Ceres 1.

The Hafnia Nile had a crew of 22, while the Ceres 1 carried 40 seafarers.

In the vicinity of the accident, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship, RSS Supreme, rescued 16 crew members from the Hafnia Nile. An additional six crew members from the tanker, who had taken refuge in a lifeboat, were rescued by a Malaysian government vessel. These six were later transferred to the RSS Supreme, which is now heading back to Singapore.

All 22 crew members from the Hafnia Nile are currently receiving medical care on the RSS Supreme.

Simultaneously, a Singapore-flagged supply vessel, Dolphin 1, rescued 14 crew members from the Ceres 1. Among those rescued, two were airlifted by a Republic of Singapore Airforce helicopter to Singapore General Hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

The remaining 26 crew members of the Ceres 1 have been accounted for and are participating in firefighting efforts on the vessel, as stated by the MPA.

Image credit: Republic of Singapore Navy