At about 0106hrs on 15 Sep 04, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a call from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) that the Liberian-registered container ship, Merkur Bridge (9,597 GT), had collided with the oil tanker, High Endurance (30,028 GT), which is also Liberian-registered. The incident occurred outside the Singapore Strait, northeast of Horsburgh Lighthouse, within Singapore waters.

Preliminary checks indicated that the Merkur Bridge was overtaking a RSN vessel, the RSS Persistence. WhenMerkur Bridge had closed in next to RSS Persistence, she suddenly altered course to avoid the oncoming High Endurance. In doing so, Merkur Bridge struck RSS Persistence. Soon after, Merkur Bridge collided with the High Endurance at about 0040 hrs.

As a result of the incident, the engine room of the High Endurance caught fire, which was put out shortly after by the ship's crew. The tanker also sustained a small hole at its port quarter, above the waterline. The extent of damage to the Merkur Bridge is yet to be determined, but it is currently in stable condition. The RSS Persistencesustained minor scratches to its port side. There was no report of any injury or pollution from the three ships.

The High Endurance and Merkur Bridge are currently in stable condition and are anchored just outside the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), northeast of Horsburgh Lighthouse. Salvage tugs deployed by Semco and Smit International are at the scene to provide assistance. MPA is in contact with the local agents of the two ships' owners.

MPA has been closely monitoring the situation since being informed by RSN. We have also issued navigational warnings to advise passing ships to keep clear and to navigate with caution. Vessel traffic along the Singapore Strait remains unaffected.

MPA will be investigating the incident.

End of Release.