All Crew Rescued After Fire Near Pedra Branca
On the morning of July 19, a fire broke out on two vessels near Pedra Branca, but thankfully, all 42 crew members on board have been rescued. According to reports, 22 crew members were on the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile, while the Ceres I, flagged from Sao Tome and Principe, had 20 crew members. It’s worth noting that there were no Singaporeans among the crew.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The Republic of Singapore Navy ship, RSS Supreme, is currently heading back to Singapore with the crew from Hafnia Nile. Six crew members from Hafnia Nile were rescued by a Malaysian government vessel and later transferred to RSS Supreme. The remaining 16 crew members were picked up directly by the navy. All of them are now receiving medical attention on board the navy ship.
Meanwhile, the nearby Singapore-flagged supply vessel, Dolphin 1, managed to rescue 14 crew members from Ceres I. Two of these crew members were airlifted by a Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter to Singapore General Hospital for further medical treatment.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
The rest of the crew from Ceres I is actively engaged in firefighting operations on their vessel. Both vessel owners have coordinated salvage and firefighting resources to ensure the vessels are towed to safety. Fortunately, maritime traffic remains unaffected by this incident.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that the fire occurred approximately 55km northeast of Pedra Branca, within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region. They have requested assistance from passing vessels to aid in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The RSS Supreme and a Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter are providing crucial support.
Showcasing Singapore’s Maritime Strength
This incident is not just a test of our emergency response but also an opportunity for Singapore to showcase its robust maritime capabilities and commitment to safety at sea. It highlights the importance of international cooperation during crises.
To further illustrate this, Singapore can share specific examples of its maritime expertise and successful collaborations with other nations in addressing maritime safety challenges. Such initiatives can help reinforce the significance of working together globally to ensure safe seas.
For more details, you can read the full report from [source](#).
As the situation continues to develop, we remain hopeful for the well-being of all involved.