The 115 meter long, 8150 dwt container ship Salam Mesra caught fire while anchored off Marina Barrage, Singapore. The fire started in the vessel’s superstructure in one of the crew’s cabins. Authorities were alerted and dispatched four firefighting vessels to the scene. Using water jets to reach the upper deck cabins, the vessels were able to contain the fire five hours later. No reports of injuries. Details to the extent of damage to the Salam Mesra was not reported.
On July 9, the 32 meter long, 154 gt passenger ferry Sri Kandi 99 ran aground at the southern end of Pulau Tekong Island, Singapore. The ferry was making a return trip from the anchored cruise ship Aegean Paradise with 45 passengers and crew bound for Pengerang, Johor. The ferry struck the rocks off the Pulau Tekong at low tide damaging the hull and leaving the Sri Kandi 99 with a severe list. Forty of the passengers and crew were able to make it shore without issue. Authorities dispatched patrol vessels to the scene and freed the remaining 5 persons off the ferry. Reports state 2 persons suffered minor injuries. All the passengers were later transferred to the ferry Camara Samudra.
Reports stated the Sri Kandi 99 later capsized onto its starboard hull and partially sank. Owners have made arrangements to refloat the ferry. Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On August 21, the 183 meter long, 50760 dwt tanker Alnic MC collided with the 154 meter long, US Navy Destroyer USS John S. McCain in the Strait of Malacca off Singapore. The Alnic MC’s bow struck the aft port side of the destroyer. The Alnic MC sustained damage to its fore peak ballast tank while the USS John S. McCain suffered a hull breach with several compartments flooded including crew quarters, machinery and communications rooms. Five sailors were injured while another 10 were initially reported as missing on the destroyer. Later reports state many of the crew missing had become trapped in the flooded compartments.
Both the Alnic MC and USS John S. McCain remained afloat and were able to proceed under their own power. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The USS John S. McCain moored at the Changi naval base in Singapore.
