The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (22 September) said all 25 crew members from the Liberia-registered container vessel MSC HERMES III were rescued on 22 September 2026. 

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Singapore coordinated the rescue after receiving a distress alert at about 8.45am (Singapore Time). 

“The vessel was within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region (MSRR), about 300km east of Vietnam,” MPA said in a statement. 

MRCC Singapore immediately issued a broadcast requesting vessels in the vicinity to render assistance. Three vessels responded, and MSC RUBY recovered all 25 crew members after they had abandoned MSC HERMES III in a lifeboat. 

“All 25 crew members are safe, with no injuries reported,” MPA said. 

“MRCC Singapore is coordinating with the Vietnamese MRCC on arrangements for the rescued crew members to return safely to shore.”

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 23 September, 2026

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula on Thursday (17 September) confirmed that the crew member reported missing following last week’s incident involving bunker tanker Hercules Star off Dubai has been found dead.

The confirmation brings the death toll from the incident to two.

“Following the report of a loss of life during the incident involving the Hercules Star in the early hours of 9th September whilst at anchor off Dubai, we regret to announce that the missing crew member has been found deceased,” company said. 

“Their family have been informed, and we continue to offer our full support and our deepest condolences.”

“All members of the Hercules Star crew have now been repatriated and we continue to support them.”

According to a Reuters report last week, citing preliminary assessments by maritime security sources, the vessel may have been struck by a drone.

The report also said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a vessel listing while at anchor about 24 nautical miles off the UAE’s Port Rashid, with the condition “possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”.

Related: Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 18 September, 2026

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Thursday (10 September) strongly condemned attacks against commercial shipping, following recent incidents affecting commercial shipping, including within the bunkering community in the last 24 hours. 

IBIA said the attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of seafarers’ lives and left others injured or missing. 

Yesterday, Manifold Times reported marine fuels supplier Peninsula confirming that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai. The company also confirmed one fatality and one member of crew missing, with a specialist team working to locate them. 

The association said it stands with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the wider maritime community in calling for greater protection of seafarers and an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels.

“On behalf of its Global Board and Secretariat, IBIA expresses its deepest sorrow for all those affected and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims,” IBIA said. 

“These incidents are a tragic reminder that innocent seafarers continue to bear the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. Seafarers are civilians carrying out an essential service to the global economy and should never become victims of violence.”

IBIA’s Board called on governments and the international community to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life, protect freedom of navigation, safeguard global trade and uphold international law.

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, said: “Too often, seafarers become the forgotten victims of geopolitical conflicts in which they play no part.  

“I fully agree with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez that attacks on innocent seafarers and civilian shipping are totally unacceptable. The men and women serving at sea are not involved in these disputes. They are delivering energy, food and essential goods that keep economies and societies functioning.

“Seafarers deserve protection, respect and the ability to do their jobs without becoming targets.”

Related: Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 11 September, 2026