FEREX HERON
Ferry rescue exercise demonstrated multi-agencies' preparedness for ferry mishaps

More than 350 personnel from nine agencies participated in the Ferry Rescue Exercise codenamed "FEREX Heron" held this morning. This exercise, organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), was carried out to test the readiness of various agencies to respond to ferry mishaps in the Port of Singapore, including the procedures in handling mass casualty incidents.

The exercise was a full deployment exercise with resources deployed at sea at the East Keppel Fairway, on land at the Port Operations Control Centre at PSA Vista (POCC-Vista), and the landing point at Pulau Brani.

MPA's Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young said, "FEREX Heron has three purposes - familiarise all parties on their roles and responsibilities in the Ferry Mishap Contingency Plan in the event of a ferry mishap during the annual Kusu pilgrimage season; test agencies' readiness in handling mass casualty incidents; and the involvement of our newly upgraded facility at POCC-Vista"

The scenario for FEREX Heron involved a domestic ferry colliding with a tug boat at the East Keppel Fairway. The ferry was carrying 62 passengers from Kusu Island to Marina South Pier. The tug boat, carrying five crew members, was also on its way to Marina South Pier. As a result of the collision, the ferry suffered damage to its hull and was taking in water slowly.

The "incident" was reported to MPA's Marine Safety Control Centre, which in turn activated the multi-agency Ferry Mishap Contingency Plan. A total of 10 craft from various agencies were despatched to the "incident" site to assist in passenger evacuation. Evacuated passengers were brought to the landing point at Pulau Brani where "injured" passengers received medical attention. Uninjured passengers were transferred to ICA Coastal Command, which was used as a passenger holding and processing area.

The agencies and companies that took part in the exercise included the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Health, Singapore Armed Forces, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Polytechnic, PSA Corporation, and Singapore Island Cruise and Ferry Services.

Passengers being evacuated to a Republic of Singapore Navy craft.

Injured passenger being evacuated to a Singapore Civil Defence Force craft.

Medical personnel tending to injured passengers.

<End of Release>

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.