5 people missing in S'pore waters after barge capsizes

SINGAPORE - Five crew members of a capsized barge have gone missing in Singapore waters, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Thursday.

Authorities were alerted to the case when a life raft was spotted southwest of the Horsburgh Lighthouse on Thursday morning.. Police coast guards rescued the six people onboard the life raft.

The rescued crew members reported that another five members were missing. Their barge, the Heng Hong 168, had capsized in Singapore waters about three nautical miles west of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

MPA is co-ordinating the search and rescue operations, which involves assets for aerial and surface searches. Commercial divers have also been activated to assist with the search.

Vessels in the vicinity should keep clear of the SAR area. Any sightings of the missing crew should be reported immediately.

ljessica@sph.com.sg