Eight Seafarers’ Survive Sinking Malaysian Tanker Off Pedra Branca. Coast

The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it received a distress call from 1,187 dwt, Malaysian-registered tanker Silver Sincere at 15:40 hrs local time on 12 January that the vessel was taking on water.

The Master of the Silver Sincere evacuated the crew of the vessel into liferafts and all eight seafarers were rescued by the Indonesian freighter Intan Daya 368, which the MPA said it had directed to render assistance.

All eight crew rescued from the Malaysian tanker were described as being in “healthy condition” and disembarked from the Indonesia freighter in Batu Ampur, Indonesia.

The MPA said the Silver Sincere later sank in Singapore waters off Pedra Branca towards the eastern entrance to the Singapore Strait.

The region around Singapore is currently experiencing a monsoon surge with heavy weather and strong winds.

According to Equasis the Silver Sincere was built in 1987 and owned by CCK Capital in Penang, Malaysia. P&I cover was with the Shipowners Club, which specialises in smaller tonnage.

The Singapore authorities have activated salvage tugs and oil spill response craft.

“MPA is broadcasting navigational safety advisory for passing vessels to stay clear of the incident site. Navigational traffic in the Singapore Strait is not affected,” MPA said.