12 January 2010

"Ocean Lark" search and rescue operation-Update 7

12 January 2010, 1730hrs (Singapore time)

For Immediate Release

After seven days of search efforts involving more than 75 vessels and aircraft covering an area larger than 1,000 square kilometres, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Indonesia's Rescue Sub-Centre Tanjung Pinang terminated the search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing persons from tugboat "Ocean Lark" at 1700hrs (Singapore time) today.

MPA will continue to inform vessels passing the vicinity of the incident site to keep a lookout for the 4 persons that remain unaccounted for.

Of the 13 persons reported to be on board "Ocean Lark" when the incident happened at about 0500hrs (Singapore time) on 6 Jan 2010, two persons were rescued on 6 Jan 2010 and 7 bodies were recovered in the course of the SAR operation.

MPA extends its deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.

MPA expresses its appreciation to the following for their assistance in the SAR operation:

1.Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
2.Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
3.Indonesia's Rescue Sub-Centre Tanjung Pinang
4.Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut
5.Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia
6.Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs & Excise (DJBC)
7.Commanding Officer and crew of RSS Brave, RSS Fearless, RSS Independence, RSS Resilience and RSS Vigilance
8.Pilots and crew of the RSAF Super Puma helicopter and the two RSAF Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft
9.Commander and crew of Tanjung Pinang 01, KRI Todak, KRI Kelabang, KRI Kala Hitam, KP Haya Busa and DJBC's aircraft
10.Master and crew of the 64 commercial vessels that deviated from their voyages to provide assistance (see Annex A for the list of the 64 commercial vessels)

MPA is still investigating the incident.

End of Release

Annex A: Factsheet

For clarification regarding this media statement, please contact:
MPA Media Hotline
Tel: 6375 1643
Email: media_enquiries@mpa.gov.sg

"OCEAN LARK" SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION

Annex A: List of commercial vessels that provided assistance (x64)