The Maritime and Port Authority's (MPA's) Port Operations Control Centre received a report this morning that a collision had occured between a Panamanian bulk carrier "Graceous (85 695 GT) and an unladen Liberian tanker "Lula I" (62 031 GT) at about 0650 hours in the Traffic Separation Scheme outside port limits and in Indonesian waters about 2 nautical miles (approx 4km) south east of Sebarok Beacon.

At the time of the incident, the "Graceous" was eastbound wihile the "Lula I" was westbound. "Graceous" sustained damage to its bow and several several tanks at the forward part of the vessel. However, it is not in any danger of sinking. The "Lula I" reported that the vessel sustained damaged in the forward section above the waterline. Visbility at the time of the incident was reduced due to heavy shower.

There is no pollution or injury reported.

The MPA has activated its emergency team to co-ordinate the operations. It has also informed the salvage companies, P & I Club, the Police Coast Guard the Republic of Singapore Navy.

The "Graceous" is now anchored in the deep water route. The "Lula I" is anchored outside the Traffic Separation Scheme of Batam.

The MPA has broadcast navigational warnings to warn other vessels to keep clear of the "Graceous" and to navigate with caution. The shipping traffic in the Traffic Separation Scheme is not affected by the incident.

The MPA is investigating the incident

End of Release.