Bolivian-registered sand-carrier, Oceanline SC208 gets capsized
On 20 May 2015, at around 10.00am, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a report that a Bolivian-registered sand-carrier, Oceanline SC208, had capsized 7.5 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca in Singapore waters.
According to the vessel’s agent, there were 15 crew members onboard at the time of the incident. A Chinese national was reportedly rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
Two vessels were deployed immediately by MPA. Singapore is coordinating the search and rescue (SAR) operations which involves vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSS Daring and RSS Fearless), the Singapore Police Coast Guard and several Malaysian vessels. MPA has also engaged salvage companies to conduct salvage operations.
On 21 May, MPA Singapore issued an update on search and rescue operations for capsized sand-carrier:
The capsized Bolivian-registered sand-carrier, Oceanline SC208, which drifted into Malaysian waters overnight, has been towed to sheltered waters in Malaysia this morning.
Fourteen crew members – 13 Chinese nationals and one Malaysian – remain unaccounted for.
Vessels from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Singapore Police Coast Guard are continuing the search and rescue operations (SAR) in Singapore waters. Navigational broadcasts on the SAR operations are ongoing. MPA is also contacting transiting merchant vessels to keep a lookout for missing persons and to report any sightings to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Singapore.
Source: MPA Singapore