Police Coast Guard rescues sailor from capsized barge; 9 other crew members missing

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a report on Wednesday at around 1pm that a barge had capsized in Singapore waters about 7 nautical miles north of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

One crew member was rescued by a Police Coast Guard (PCG) patrol craft in the area. The rescued crew member reported that 10 other persons were missing on the barge, Guo Liang 677. MPA was subsequently informed that another crew member had been rescued by a vessel in the vicinity.

MPA is co-ordinating the search and rescue (SAR) operations, which involves assets for aerial and surface searches. MPA has also activated commercial divers to assist with the SAR operations.

MPA is investigating the incident and has issued navigational broadcasts to vessels in the vicinity to keep clear of the SAR area and to report any sightings of the missing persons.

grongloh@sph.com.sg