The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a distress call from the Malaysia-registered tanker, SILVER SINCERE, at around 3:40 pm (Singapore Time). The tanker reported that it was taking on water. SILVER SINCERE has subsequently sunk in Singaporean territorial waters near Pedra Branca.
The master of the vessel successfully evacuated all eight crew members. They were safely rescued from their liferafts by the Indonesia-registered freighter, INTAN DAYA 368, which was directed by MPA to assist. All crew members are reported to be in good health and will be disembarked at Batu Ampar, Indonesia.
MPA initiated a search and rescue operation, deploying its own craft alongside vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Singapore Police Coast Guard. The search and rescue phase, coordinated by MPA, has now been concluded. For the vessel recovery phase, MPA has activated salvage tugs. As a precautionary measure, oil spill response craft have also been mobilized.
MPA is broadcasting navigational safety advisories to passing vessels, urging them to steer clear of the incident site. Navigational traffic in the Singapore Strait remains unaffected.
Established on February 2, 1996, MPA's mission is to develop Singapore as a leading global hub port and international maritime center, while safeguarding the nation's strategic maritime interests.