Oil spill near Pedra Branca caused by collision between oil tanker and bulk carrier

SINGAPORE — A Libyan-registered oil tanker, Alyarmouk, collided with a Singapore-registered bulk carrier, Sinar Kapuas, this morning (Jan 2) near Pedra Branca, in Singapore waters. The collision between the two vessels happened about 11 nautical miles north-east of the island.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) first received a report from Alyarmouk at about 6am on the collision. Alyarmouk reported that one of her cargo tanks sustained damage, resulting in some spillage of crude oil.

Upon notification, the MPA deployed a helicopter to assess the situation. Oil spill response resources were also activated.

Malaysian and Indonesian authorities have been notified as part of the standard operating procedures for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

The two vessels are currently safely anchored and in stable condition. MPA has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site. MPA is currently investigating the cause of the collision.

No injuries were reported and traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected.