Malaysia: MMEA rescues 14 crew members after tanker catches fire off Tanjung Piai

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Sunday (12 January) said it rescued 14 crew members of product tanker Eagle 1 that caught fire four nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Piai.

Johor MMEA acting director Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said all of them were taken to the state MMEA jetty while one Indonesian crew member was swept away to Singapore waters. 

“However, Singaporean authorities have informed us that they have found the man, who was unconscious, and has been brought to a hospital for further treatment,” he said.

The Mongolia-registered tanker was manned by 15 crew members from Myanmar, Indonesia and Singapore aged between 22 to 73 years old. 

Johor Bahru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre activated a search and rescue operation at 9.25am after receiving information from KM Satria regarding the fire. 

KM Satria, KM Tambisan and Kilat 18 were deployed to the scene.

“The fire is fully under control and no oil spills have been detected so far,” he added.

Singapore also reported two incidents over the weekend including a Malaysia-registered tanker sinking in Singapore territorial waters off Pedra Branca.

Eight crew members of tanker Silver Sincere were rescued after it was taking in water.

MPA also reported all 18 crew members of Vietnam-registered freighter Dolphin 18, which sank, were rescued.

Related: MPA: Malaysia-registered tanker “Silver Sincere” sinks off Pedra Branca
Related: Vietnam-registered freighter “Dolphin 18” sinks in Singapore Maritime region

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 15 January, 2025