At about 1554 hours today, the master of passenger ferry 'Falcon 5' reported that his ferry was aground at Cyrene Reef, north of Pulau Bukom. The ferry was proceeding from the Singapore Regional Ferry Terminal (World Trade Centre) to Kukup (West Malaysia). There were 152 passengers and 8 crew on board 'Falcon 5'. No injuries were reported.

The ferry is Indonesian-registered and the agent is Indo Falcon Shipping and Travel Pte Ltd.

MPA and PCG patrol boats were immediately despatched to the scene.

A total of 15 rescue craft were present to transfer passengers. All passengers were safely transferred to World Trade Centre.

MPA will conduct investigations into the incident.

End of release.