5 still missing from barge that capsized near S'pore lighthouse

SINGAPORE - Search and rescue operations for five missing crew members of the capsized Bolivia-flagged barge Heng Hong 168 continued on Saturday.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been co-ordinating operations since receiving a report of the incident at about 8am on Thursday. The barge had capsized in Singapore waters about three nautical miles west of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

Six crew members were rescued on Thursday by the Police Coast Guard (PCG) and did not require medical attention, MPA said. They reported that a total of 11 crew members, all Chinese nationals, were onboard Heng Hong 168. The Chinese Embassy in Singapore has been informed.

As of 7pm today, operations have involved a total of two Super Puma helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, three patrol vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy, three PCG patrol craft, divers and a diving support vessel from Resolve Salvage & Fire (Asia), and 78 passing commercial vessels.

abrahamr@sph.com.sg