The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has filed charges against two crew members of Singapore-registered oil tanker Hafnia Nile over a collision against tanker Ceres 1 that killed a man and caused serious injury on another, according to news reports on Wednesday (2 July). 

Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I collided and caught fire about 55km northeast of Pedra Branca on 19 July 2024. The collision took place around 55km northeast of Pedra Branca within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

Wickramage Viraj  Amila  Shavinda  Perera, 40, was the officer in charge of the navigational watch on Hafnia Nile between 5.40am and 6am on 19 July 2024. He was accused of failing to make “a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of dangers to navigation, maintain situational awareness of the area around the Hafnia Nile and ensure that a proper lookout was maintained”.

Due to this, the vessel collided with the Ceres I, causing “serious damage” to both tankers and the death of Mr Sellakkannu Shanmugasundaram, who was on board the Ceres I.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Indian national Soosai Antony Vainer, who served as the lookout on the Hafnia Nile, is accused of observing the approaching Ceres I but failing to alert the officer in charge of navigational watch. Instead, Vainer reportedly steered the vessel unprompted and neglected his duty to maintain vigilance, ultimately resulting in the collision. 

A further mention of both cases were heard in Singapore’s State Courts on 2 July, and adjourned to a later date this month.

Related: MPA: Fire breaks out on two ships near Pedra Branca, search and rescue underway
Related: “Ceres 1” goes dark after collision with Singapore-flagged tanker, located by MMEA
Related: Malaysia: “Ceres 1” did not flee collision site but drifted away, says authorities
Related: Singapore-flagged tanker “Hafnia Nile” to be moved to safe location for cargo transfer

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 3 July, 2025

A Cameroon-flagged tanker was boarded by four perpetrators while transiting eastbound in the Phillip Channel approximately 3.6 nautical miles northwest of Kapalajernih Island, Indonesia, on Thursday (26 June).  

One of the four was reportedly armed with a “gun-like object”, according to Ambrey Analytics, the digital intelligence arm of the Ambrey risk management group. 

“At the time of the boarding, the vessel was transiting at a speed of 11 knots with an estimated freeboard of 6.7 metres. At the time of writing, the vessel was observed continuing its voyage to Singapore Anchorage. Ambrey is investigating and will provide updates when available,” the company said in an alert.  

Ambrey advised vessels to remain vigilant when sailing through the Singapore Strait, especially during night-time hours. 

“Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship’s stores. It is recommended to carry out partnered deck patrols. Do not confront criminals,” it added.  

Photo credit: Ambrey Analytics
Published: 27 June, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (10 June) said fire-fighting operations are ongoing onboard the Singapore-registered container vessel Wan Hai 503, off the coast of India. 

Manifold Times previously reported of a fire onboard the vessel approximately 80 km southwest of Azhikkal, Kerala, India on 9 June. The Indian Coast Guard reported an explosion on the vessel. 

MPA said two additional fire-fighting vessels deployed by the Indian authorities and the vessel owner were scheduled to arrive onsite last evening to support the ongoing response.

“Search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing to locate the four missing crew. Aerial surveillance is also being conducted in support of the SAR efforts,” MPA said in a statement. 

The 18 crew who were earlier rescued have safely arrived at New Mangalore Port. Six injured crew have been transferred to a shore medical facility. Three have since been discharged.

MPA has been working with the vessel’s classification society and the Indian authorities to provide technical information to support the Indian authorities’ ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation and manage the fire. This includes information to guide fire containment measure, assess fire conditions onboard, and monitor the vessel’s stability.

“MPA is monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Indian authorities, including supporting the assessment of the vessel’s structural integrity and the potential for environmental impact,” it added. 

Related: Four missing after explosion on Singapore-registered boxship “Wan Hai 503” off India

Photo credit: Indian Coast Guard
Published: 11 June, 2025