A 39-year-old male crew member of a tugboat has died after the vessel sank in Singapore waters on 4 September. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that the tugboat, named OSHIO, sank in the Eastern Anchorage within Singapore’s port limits at approximately 2:15 pm. A search and rescue operation involving the MPA, the Police Coast Guard (PCG), and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is currently underway to locate another missing male crew member. The deceased crew member was rescued by the PCG and transported to the hospital but did not survive.
## Background
The incident occurred with only two crew members onboard the tugboat OSHIO. The MPA has activated salvage divers to confirm the location of the sunken vessel for subsequent salvage operations. Navigational broadcasts are being issued to other marine vessels to avoid the area. Importantly, the MPA has confirmed that there is no oil pollution resulting from the incident.
## Search and rescue efforts
The search and rescue operation is a coordinated effort between the MPA, PCG, and SCDF. The MPA’s media release highlighted the urgency and scale of the operation. “We are doing everything possible to locate the missing crew member,” said an MPA spokesperson. The PCG and SCDF have deployed multiple resources, including boats and divers, to assist in the search.
## Salvage operations
Salvage divers have been activated to locate the sunken tugboat. The MPA is overseeing the salvage operations to ensure the vessel is safely recovered. “Our priority is to confirm the exact location of the OSHIO and proceed with the salvage in a manner that ensures the safety of all involved,” stated the MPA. The operation is expected to take several days, depending on weather conditions and underwater visibility.
## Environmental impact
The MPA has confirmed that there is no oil pollution reported from the sinking of the OSHIO. This is a significant relief, considering the potential environmental hazards associated with oil spills. The MPA continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure that there are no adverse environmental impacts.
## Previous incidents and future implications
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by maritime workers. In recent years, there have been several similar incidents in the region, prompting calls for improved safety measures. The MPA has reiterated its commitment to enhancing maritime safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ongoing search and rescue operation will be closely watched, and any findings will likely influence future maritime safety regulations.
