- Two oil tankers, Hafnia Nile and Ceres I, collided and caught fire near Singapore.
- All crew members from both tankers have been rescued and are accounted for.
- Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with no impact on navigational traffic reported.
Early Friday morning, two oil tankers collided and caught fire off the coast of Singapore, causing a dramatic scene with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The incident involved the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I.
Despite the severity of the incident, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that navigational traffic in the area remains unaffected. All crew members from both tankers, totaling 62, have been safely evacuated and are accounted for.
Singapore Oil Tanker Collision: Massive Fire and Rescue Operation
In the early hours of Friday, a collision between two oil tankers resulted in a significant fire off the coast of Singapore. The Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I collided about 34 miles northeast of Pedra Branca, a crucial navigational waypoint for vessels approaching the Singapore Straits. The collision caused a massive fire, with thick black smoke visible from a distance, prompting immediate rescue and firefighting efforts.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported that firefighting and salvage teams had been deployed by the owners of both vessels. These teams are working diligently to extinguish the fire and tow the tankers to a safe location. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any potential environmental hazards.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that all 62 crew members from both tankers have been successfully rescued. Photographs released by the Singapore Navy show crew members being evacuated from life rafts and transported to hospitals. The quick and efficient response by the rescue teams ensured that all personnel were accounted for and received the necessary medical attention.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, the MPA assured that navigational traffic in the Singapore Straits has not been affected. However, the status of the vessels and the extent of any potential pollution are still under assessment. The incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and rapid response protocols in maritime operations, especially in busy shipping lanes.
The collision and subsequent fire of the Hafnia Nile and Ceres I near Singapore underline the critical need for robust maritime safety measures and emergency preparedness. Authorities continue to investigate the cause and potential environmental impact while ensuring the safety of navigational routes.
“Salvage and firefighting assets have been arranged by both vessel owners to support the firefighting efforts and subsequent towage of the vessels to safety,”
