The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was informed that at about 0630hrs this morning, a collision between a composite unit of a tug (Wei Yuan I) and barge (Soon Yuan), and a work-boat (Noella) had occurred within Singapore Territorial Waters, west of Pulau Tekong.

The work-boat (Noella) sank and the two persons on board were reported missing. There was no damage to the tug and barge and the crew did not sustain any injuries. There was no report of any oil spill. MPA is investigating the incident.

At 0804hrs, the Police Coast Guard (PCG) contacted the Malaysian Police and requested permission to enter Malaysian Territorial Waters to conduct a search and rescue operation over a wider area. Permission was granted at 1420hrs. A search and rescue operation is currently being conducted.

End of Release.