Fire onboard tanker in East Johor Strait

On 21 October 2024, at around 10:30 am, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a call about a fire in the engine room of a Malta-flagged tanker named MED ATLANTIC. The incident took place in the East Johor Strait, which lies within Singapore’s waters. Luckily, all 22 crew members on the ship managed to leave safely, with no reported injuries.

Immediate Action Taken by Authorities

The MPA acted quickly by deploying several rescue and firefighting teams to manage the situation and keep other vessels safe. The following resources were sent to help:

• MPA patrol craft
• Two Police Coast Guard craft
• Three marine firefighting and rescue vessels from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
• Two tugboats

These teams are currently working together to prevent further damage and ensure safe navigation in the area.

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No Disruption to Marine Traffic

MPA has confirmed that there is no disruption to vessel traffic in the East Johor Strait. However, they have sent out navigational broadcasts to warn other vessels to stay away from the area until the situation is fully under control.

Fish Farms Alerted to Take Precautions

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is also keeping a close eye on the situation. Since the incident occurred near fish farms, the agency has advised farm operators in the area to take necessary safety measures to protect their operations.

Safety First, No Injuries Reported

The quick evacuation of all 22 crew members was successful, with no injuries reported. The tanker is currently anchored, and emergency responders are working to put out the fire and prevent any further issues.

Conclusion

This fire incident is being closely monitored by the relevant agencies to ensure safety and minimize any risks to the environment or nearby activities. With no injuries and no major disruptions, the authorities are focused on maintaining smooth operations in the East Johor Strait.