Kavita Bisht
Two large oil tankers caught fire in waters near Singapore, leading to a major rescue operation and significant concern for the world’s biggest refuelling port.
The tankers Hafnia Nile, flying the flag of Singapore, and Ceres I, flying the flag of Sao Tome and Principe, caught fire at 6:15 AM on Friday, as per the report from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). These vessels were located about 55 km (34 miles) northeast of Singapore’s Pedra Branca island, on the eastern approach to the Singapore Straits.
Crew Members Rescued and Hospitalized
The fire prompted an immediate response, with two crew members being airlifted to Singapore General Hospital for medical treatment. The remaining 25 crew members were rescued from liferafts by the Singapore Navy frigate RSS Supreme, which also provided medical assistance on-site. Photographs made public by the Navy showed crew members being pulled from liferafts and dense black smoke rising from one of the tankers.
Cause of the Fire and Ongoing Operations
The exact cause of the fires on the Hafnia Nile and Ceres I tankers has not been determined yet. In response to the incident, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency initiated a search and rescue operation at the location of the oil tankers. The Malaysian department of environment has also been alerted to prepare for potential oil spills.
Cargo Details and Environmental Concerns
The Hafnia Nile, a Panamax tanker with a 74,000 deadweight-ton capacity, was carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of naphtha at the time of the fire. Meanwhile, the Ceres I, a very-large-crude-carrier (VLCC) with a 300,000 deadweight-ton capacity, was previously recorded carrying Iranian crude oil between March and April, although it was unclear what cargo it was transporting during the fire.
The Ceres I has a history of transporting Iranian and Venezuelan oil to China. Attempts to contact its China-based owner for comments were unsuccessful.
Significance of the Incident
Singapore, known as Asia’s largest oil trading hub and the world’s busiest bunkering port, plays a crucial role in global trade. The surrounding waters are essential trade routes connecting Asia with Europe and the Middle East. The incident raises significant concerns about maritime safety and the potential environmental impact of oil spills in this vital region.
Authorities maintain a careful eye on the issue as they attempt to minimize any environmental harm while also insuring the crew’s safety. The response to this incident highlights the importance of coordinated international efforts in managing maritime emergencies and protecting critical trade waterways.
