Capsized barge: MPA terminates search and rescue operations

SEARCH and rescue operations for the seven missing crewmembers of Guo Liang 677 have been terminated, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement on Tuesday night.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is the full statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore:

After seven days of search efforts involving more than 210 vessels and 4 aircraft covering an area larger than 2,000 square kilometres, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) terminated the search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing persons from the capsized Mongolian-flagged barge Guo Liang 677 at 1700hrs (Singapore time) on July 30, 2013. The barge capsized on 24 July 2013 in Singapore waters about 7 nautical miles north of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

MPA will continue to inform vessels passing through the vicinity of the incident site to keep a lookout for the 7 persons that remain unaccounted for.

Of the 10 persons reported to be on board Guo Liang 677 when the incident happened at about 1300hrs (Singapore time) on 24 July 2013, two persons were rescued on 24 July 2013 and 1 body was recovered in the course of the SAR operation.

MPA extends its deepest condolences to the family who lost its loved one in this unfortunate incident.

MPA expresses its appreciation to the following for their assistance in the SAR operation:

1. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)

2. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

3. Police Coast Guard of Singapore (PCG)

4. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Marine Department, Royal Malaysian Navy, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Putrajaya, Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre Johor Bahru and various maritime agencies of Malaysia

5. Commanding Officer and crew of RSS Fearless, RSS Justice, RSS Dauntless, RSS Brave, and RSS Freedom from the RSN, PCG PH53, PCG PH54, PCG PH55 and PCG PH59

6. Pilots and crew of two Super Puma helicopters and two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the RSAF

7. Master and crew of the 207 commercial vessels that provided assistance (see Annex A for the list of the commercial vessels)

MPA is still investigating the incident.