Two Crew Members Charged Over Fatal Maritime Collision Near Singapore

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  • Maritime Charges Filed After Deadly Vessel Crash.
  • Navigational Failures Blamed in Sea Collision Death.
  • Lookout and Officer Charged After Maritime Incident.

Two crew members have been charged under Singapore’s Merchant Shipping Act following a tragic maritime collision that resulted in one death and another serious injury, reports CNA.

Collision Took Place Northeast of Pedra Branca

This unfortunate incident occurred on the morning of July 19, 2024, approximately 55 kilometres northeast of Pedra Branca, within the maritime search and rescue area of Singapore, as reported by the media at the time.

Officers on Navigational Duty Facing Charges

The individuals facing charges include a 35-year-old Indian national and a 40-year-old Sri Lankan national, both of whom were on duty during the incident. The Sri Lankan officer was responsible for the navigational watch from 5:40 AM to 6:00 AM when the collision happened.

He allegedly failed to make “a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of dangers to navigation, maintain situational awareness of the area around the vessel and ensure that a proper lookout was maintained”. As a result, the vessel he was responsible for collided with another, causing serious damage, the death of one individual, and serious injury to another, both of whom were on the other vessel.

Lookout Failed to Report Risk, Acted Without Orders

The Indian national, who was on duty as the lookout, is also facing a charge. Court documents reveal that he noticed the vessel was “approaching close” to another one but failed to inform the officer in charge of the navigational watch. Instead, he allegedly took control of the vessel without being instructed to do so and neglected to maintain a proper lookout. These oversights played a direct role in the collision.

Confusion Over Other Vessel’s Movement

After the incident, Malaysian authorities took the other vessel involved into custody. Initially, reports claimed it had escaped the scene, but that was later clarified: the vessel hadn’t fled; it had simply “drifted away.”

Court Proceedings Continue

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is leading the prosecution in this case. A court mention was held on July 2, and the case has been postponed to a later date this month. According to public records:

  1. The Indian national is being represented by Mr. Andy Yeo.
  2. The Sri Lankan national has Ms. Wong Min Hui and Mr. Mato Kotwani as his legal representatives.

If found guilty, both men could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to S$50,000, or possibly both.

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Source: CNA