In a dramatic turn of events, two oil tankers, MT Hafnia Nile and MT Ceres 1, were impounded following a collision off the Johor coast on July 19, 2024. The Malaysian Marine Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which has raised significant concerns about maritime safety and environmental protection.
Captain Mohamad Halim Ahmed, the director-general of the Malaysian Marine Department, provided detailed insights during a press conference. "The collision occurred 25 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Balau, Johor. The MT Ceres 1, which was anchored due to technical issues, was struck by the MT Hafnia Nile, resulting in both vessels catching fire," he stated.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The collision was a result of the MT Hafnia Nile failing to avoid the anchored MT Ceres 1. The impact caused the 'port' side of the Hafnia Nile to collide with the 'starboard bulbous bow' of the Ceres 1. The aftermath of the collision saw both vessels engulfed in flames, with the starboard anchor chain of the Ceres 1 breaking, causing the ship to drift uncontrollably.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) swiftly launched a search and rescue operation, deploying aerial assets from the Air Force and marine police. The Hafnia Nile, carrying a hazardous cargo of naphtha, was particularly concerning due to the potential risk of an oil spill. Fortunately, preliminary investigations revealed no oil spill, although an oil sheen was detected from the Hafnia Nile's bunker tank.
Rescue and Investigation
All 22 crew members of the Hafnia Nile were rescued by the Singapore Navy's RSS Supreme and are currently receiving medical treatment in Singapore. Meanwhile, the 26 crew members of the Ceres 1 remained on board their vessel, which drifted approximately 30 nautical miles before being located northeast of Pulau Tioman.
Captain Mohamad Halim clarified earlier reports that suggested the Ceres 1 had fled the scene. "The vessel did not leave the scene intentionally. All systems, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS), were non-operational due to the damage," he explained.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The incident has highlighted the critical need for stringent maritime safety protocols and effective response mechanisms to prevent environmental disasters. The Malaysian Marine Department is in close contact with Singaporean authorities and the owner of the Ceres 1 to ensure both vessels are moved to a safe location for further investigation. "Our priority is to ensure the Hafnia Nile remains afloat and can be moved safely," Captain Halim emphasized.
The collision between MT Hafnia Nile and MT Ceres 1 off the Johor coast has underscored the importance of maritime safety and the need for robust investigative procedures. While the immediate threat of an oil spill has been averted, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with maritime transport of hazardous materials.
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