At about 0515hrs today, a collision between an Indonesian tanker Hikari 2 and a Dutch-registered dredger Volvox Delta occurred off Squance Buoy, south of Pulau Ubin (refer to attached chartlet) in Singapore port waters. The 500 gross tons (GT) tanker, Hikari 2 had departed from Pasir Gudang, Johor enroute for Surabaya, Indonesia. It was carrying 500 metric tons of the chemical Phenol.

Officers from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) were on scene at 0535hrs to monitor the situation. Craft from MPA and the salvage companies have been deployed to render assistance.

The tanker Hikari 2 sustained damage to its port midship section and is presently anchored off Pulau Ubin and is in a stable condition. All 10 crew from the Hikari 2 have been transferred to a tug. The dredger Volvox Delta sustained damage to its bow. It has proceeded to Pulau Serangoon and has discharged its cargo of sand.

There were no reports of injury to crew members. A small amount of the chemical, Phenol, was leaked into the sea. Efforts are being made to stop the leakage.

The MPA has informed Ministry of the Environment (ENV), Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the Police Coast Guard (PCG) of the incident and to take the necessary precautions.

As a general precaution, the public is advised not to fish and to avoid going into the waters in the area until further notice.

The MPA is investigating the cause of the incident.

End of Release.