Maritime authority conducts SAR operations for capsized barge

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations for a Bolivian-registered sand carrier which capsized 7.5 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca in Singapore waters.

In a statement, MPA said it received a report on the capsize of Oceanline SC208 about 10am today.

According to the vessel’s agent, there were 15 crew members on board the vessel at the time of the incident.

A Chinese national was reportedly rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Fourteen crew members comprising a Malaysian and the rest, Chinese nationals are still unaccounted for.

The MPA has deployed two vessels for the SAR operations and also engaged salvage companies to conduct operations.

Singapore is coordinating the SAR operations which also involves vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSS Daring and RSS Fearless), Singapore Police Coast Guard and several Malaysian vessels.