- In a dramatic turn of events, the oil tanker, which fled the scene of a fiery collision off Singapore on Friday, has been detained by Malaysian authorities.
- The vessel was tracked down in Malaysian waters after going missing and reportedly turning off its tracking system.
The Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Tanker collided with the Singapore-flagged vessel on Friday, approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Pedra Branca Island, Singapore. Following the collision, which resulted in fires on both vessels, the tanker inexplicably departed the scene without explanation.
Vessel’s Past Activities Raise Questions
Industry experts have pointed out the tanker’s history of transporting Iranian oil. Data from LSEG and Kpler indicates the tanker discharged Iranian crude oil through ship-to-ship transfers in Malaysia’s Linggi transhipment hub earlier this year. Ship-to-ship transfers can be used to obscure the origin of sanctioned oil.
Current Status and Investigation
The tanker, currently empty according to AIS data, was found being towed by two tugboats in Malaysian waters. Both the tanker and the vessel will be moved to a safe location for further investigation into the cause of the collision. All crew members are reported safe.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
The reason for the tanker’s initial departure from the collision scene remains unclear. Malaysian authorities are in charge of the investigation and will determine the fate of both vessels. The Vessel’s manager is reportedly in talks with Malaysian authorities regarding the movement of their tanker.
Impact and Significance
This incident highlights the complexities and potential dangers of maritime traffic in busy shipping lanes like those around Singapore. The involvement of a vessel with a history of transporting sanctioned oil adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. As investigations unfold, the world awaits answers and the ultimate consequences for those involved.
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Source: Reuters
