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“Ceres 1” goes dark after collision with Singapore-flagged tanker, located by MMEA

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São Tomé and Príncipe-flagged tanker “Ceres 1” allegedly left the site of the collision as of 20 July and turned off its AIS; found in Malaysian waters.
Republic of Singapore Navy

An oil tanker that went missing after a collision with Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile was located some 28 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Tioman by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Sunday (21 July).

According to MMEA, the São Tomé and Príncipe-flagged tanker Ceres 1 allegedly left the site of the collision as of 20 July and turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) but was believed to be in Malaysian waters.

Manifold Times previously reported the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) being alerted to a fire onboard two ships about 55km northeast of Pedra Branca within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

MPA was notified about 6.15am on 19 July that both Hafnia Nile and Ceres 1 caught fire. 

Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile

“Information and checks from Johor Bahru Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) and Malaysian Marine Department also found something amiss about the IMO registration number of the concerned ship and the actions of the ship leaving the site of the incident also raised suspicions,” MMEA added. 

MMEA said it successfully detected and intercepted Ceres 1 at 1.20am, which was being towed by two tugboats when found. 

“The two tugboats, which were believed to be involved in moving the tanker from the site of the collision, were also seized,” MMEA said. 

MMEA added based on air surveyance, some traces of an oil spill was detected at the collision site. 

In a separate statement, Hafnia said two seafarers who were onboard Hafnia Nile suffered minor injuries, while the remaining crew members are understood to be in good condition. 

“The crew’s family has been informed and is regularly updated on the situation. There is no information on pollution,” the firm said on 19 July on its website.

“The Company’s primary focus at this time is the well-being of our crew members, as well as addressing any potential environmental impact resulting from this incident.”

“A full investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident.”

Related: MPA: Fire breaks out on two ships near Pedra Branca, search and rescue underway

 

Photo credit: Republic of Singapore Navy
Published: 22 July 2024

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