Bolivian-registered sand-carrier capsizes in Singapore waters

A Bolivian-registered sand- carrier had capsized in Singapore waters, causing 14 crew members missing, among which, 13 are Chinese, according to a press release by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Wednesday.

The MPA said that it received a report that a Bolivian- registered sand-carrier, Oceanline SC208, had capsized 7.5 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca in Singapore waters.

According to the vessel's agent, there were 15 crew members onboard at the time of the incident. A Chinese national was reportedly rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, while fourteen others are still unaccounted for. Among them, one is a Malaysian and the rest are Chinese nationals.

MPA had deployed two vessels immediately and is coordinating the search and rescue (SAR) operations which involves vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Singapore Police Coast Guard and several Malaysian vessels, it said. MPA has also engaged salvage companies to conduct salvage operations.

Navigational broadcasts have been made to vessels in the vicinity to keep clear of the SAR area and to report any sightings of the missing persons, MPA said, adding that it is now investigating the incident.