At about 2215hrs on 18 May 99, a regional ferry "Auto Batam 11" reported a technical fault in one of its engines while on its way from Batam to Singapore. This resulted in an ingress of water to its engine room. The ferry suffered engine failure at Sisters Fairway, off Sisters Islands. The Belize-registered ferry, which is owned by Auto Batam Ferries & Tours Pte Ltd, was carrying 51 passengers and eight crew from Batu Ampar (Batam) to Singapore at the time of the incident.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) activated its rescue operations immediately, with assistance from the Police Coast Guard (PCG) and PSA Marine.

By 2240hrs, all 51 passengers and eight crew were safely transferred from "Auto Batam 11" to four rescue craft. At 2300hrs, they had disembarked safely at the Regional Ferry Terminal (RFT) at the World Trade Centre (WTC). There were no reports of any injury to the passengers or crew, and no oil pollution.

The passengers comprised 35 Singaporeans, 7 Indonesians, 3 Malaysians, 3 British, 1 Indian, 1 German and 1 Dutch. The ferry has a passenger capacity of 129.

MPA is investigating the incident.

End of Release.