2 crew members missing after tanker catches fire off Changi

Hasnita Majid, Channel NewsAsia 19 May 09;

SINGAPORE: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is conducting a search-and-rescue operation for two missing crew members of a tanker which caught fire off Changi on Monday.

Black smoke was spotted coming from the Honduras-registered tanker Vertex shortly before 11am.Carrying 2,000 tonnes of used oil, it was anchored in Singapore waters, nine kilometres southeast of Changi.

MPA's emergency response craft was immediately sent to put out the fire on the main deck and in the pump room.

The 17 crew members, made up of 14 Indonesians, two Chinese and one Filipino, tried to escape the fire by jumping into the sea. 15 were rescued, but two are still missing.

Five injured crew members were transferred to a Singapore Police Coast Guard patrol craft for medical assistance and were later sent to the Singapore General Hospital.

The remaining 10 crew members who were not injured were transferred to the Malaysian Police.

MPA said the Vertex is in stable condition and there has been no report of oil pollution from the incident. - CNA/vm

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