At about 2348hrs on 21 Sep 03, a collision occurred between the Malta-registered bulk carrier, MV Sea Liberty (22,009GT) and the Panama-registered container vessel MV Arabian Express (15,095GT) at about 2.8km south-east of Kusu Island: please refer to chartlet. At the time of the incident, the MV Sea Liberty was transiting westbound in the Singapore Strait and the MV Arabian Express was departing Singapore, after leaving Brani Container Terminal.

The accommodation area on the starboard (right) side and engine room of MV Sea Liberty were damaged. MV Arabian Express sustained minor damages at its forward ballast tank. Both vessels are in stable condition. MV Sea Liberty and MV Arabian Express are now anchored at about 3km and 7km south-east of Kusu Island respectively.

There was a minor oil spill from the MV Sea Liberty as a result of the incident, which has been cleaned up by four anti-pollution craft deployed by the MPA. There was no report of injury to the crewmembers of both vessels. The owner of the MV Sea Liberty has appointed the salvage companies Semco and Smit International for the salvage operations.

Port operations and vessel traffic remain unaffected. Navigational broadcasts have been issued to inform ships in the vicinity of the incident and to keep clear. As a precaution, anti-pollution craft will continue to monitor the situation.

The MPA will be investigating the incident.