The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was alerted to a distress call from a Malaysia-registered tanker, SILVER SINCERE, at about 3:40pm (Singapore Time), which reported that it was taking in water.

2.   SILVER SINCERE has since sunk in Singapore territorial waters off Pedra Branca. The master of the vessel had evacuated all the crew from the sinking vessel.

3.   All eight crew have been safely recovered from the vessel’s liferafts by Indonesia-registered freighter, INTAN DAYA 368, which was directed by MPA to render assistance. All crew are in healthy condition and will be disembarked at Batu Ampar, Indonesia.

4.   As part of the search and rescue efforts, MPA had also deployed its craft, together with craft from the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Singapore Police Coast Guard. The search and rescue phase coordinated by MPA has been completed.

5.   For the vessel recovery phase, MPA has activated salvage tugs. As a precaution, oil spill response craft have also been activated.

6.   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.