Pireas-Polaris collision occurred as Greek vessel was leaving area and was allowed to continue to Malaysia as accident not ‘very serious’ said, Maritime and Port Authority Singapore (MPA) for The Straits Times.
What happened?
A collision between a Greece-registered ship and a Malaysian government vessel occurred in Singapore territorial waters off Tuas on 9 Feb afternoon.
The Greek carrier Pireas was making a manoeuvre to leave Singapore’s port limits off Tuas when it collided with Malaysian government vessel Polaris.
Accident Not Serious
MPA added that Pireas was allowed to carry on to its next port of call at Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, as the accident was “not considered a very serious marine casualty incident under the International Maritime Organization Marine Casualty Investigation Code”.
How did the collision happen?
The MPA said Pireas had been refuelling at Singapore’s eastern bunkering anchorage, which lies south of Bedok. After doing so, it informed MPA that it was headed for Tanjung Pelepas in Johor.
At 1.55pm, Pireas entered Singapore’s port limits off Tuas. “It then slowed down, changed direction and collided with Polaris,” MPA said. The accident happened at around 2.30pm. Polaris was anchored when the incident occurred.
It also added, “Upon establishing contact with Pireas, MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre instructed Pireas to stay clear of the area”.
“At this point, Pireas reported that prior to contacting the control centre, it had collided with Polaris and there was no damage to its vessel.” There were no reports of injuries or oil leakage.
Investigations launched
As the accident occurred in Singapore’s territorial waters, MPA launched investigations immediately, it said. It has sent official notifications to the Marine Department Malaysia and Greece’s Hellenic Bureau for Marine Casualties Investigation.
It is also gathering and reviewing information – such as vessel records and video footage of the collision – and has requested a formal incident report from both vessels.
MPA also contacted the Greek vessel’s agent in Singapore to assist with investigations.
Note to Shipping community
“We advise the shipping community to ensure that vessels operating within Singapore Port Limits comply with the applicable regulations, including reporting their movements and to anchor only within designated anchorages,” MPA said.
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Source: TheStraitsTimes
