Swift action taken to beach a small products tanker that sprang a leak at the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait has prevented what could have been a major pollution disaster in Malaysia and Singapore.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) told TradeWinds today that the 5,000-gt product tanker Sea Frontier (built 1989) was grounded on an underwater bank off Tanjung Penyusop yesterday after springing a leak.
The vessel is described as being 75% submerged. So far it has not leaked any of its cargo of marine gas oil.
The St Kitts and Nevis-registered vessel, which is operated in bunker trade by Star Formula Marine Services of Singapore, is said to have hit a rock while manoeuvring, resulting in an ingress of water.
The crew of 11 seafarers from Myanmar and Indonesia subsequently abandoned ship and were picked up by MMEA before being placed in the care of the vessel’s local agent.
The MMEA says efforts are underway to salvage the vessel and contain any potential oil spills.
Star Formula Marine Services could not be reached for comment.
