As of 0900hrs, no oil was sighted in Singapore waters following the grounding of the oil tanker Natuna Seayesterday morning in Indonesian waters off Batu Berhanti Beacon in the Singapore Strait. This was confirmed by the helicopter recce conducted at 0735hrs as well as reports from the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) patrol vessels.

Some oil patches were sighted in the vicinity of Natuna Sea, and are being treated by anti-pollution craft. Oil booms laid round the ship have contained small fresh oil leaks from the damaged tanks. The Natuna Searemains in a stable condition.

A ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of about 5,000 tonnes, commenced at 0206hrs this morning to lighten the ship. Another STS is planned for 1000hrs. A diving team will be carrying out an underwater survey today to further determine the extent of damage to the hull of the Natuna Sea.

The MPA's Emergency Operations Centre continues to be manned round the clock to oversee the oil spill response operation. 7 MPA craft are also deployed to monitor the Singapore port waters for signs of oil pollution. 11 other craft are deployed by the salvage company continue to keep watch and clean up the spill in the vicinity of the Natuna Sea.

End of Release.