Tanker on fire

THE Panama-flagged oil and chemical tanker Hoyu was hit by a fire in Singapore’s territorial waters, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The incident occurred in the afternoon hours of November 7 while the 8925 dwt unit was some 9.7 nautical miles from Pedra Branca, eastern Singapore Strait.

MPA Singapore informed that the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Coast Guard and the Republic of Singapore Navy deployed vessels to render assistance to the Hoyu crew.

All 18 crew members have been safely evacuated and the fire has been put out.

There were no reports of injury or pollution following the incident, MPA Singapore said, adding that shipping traffic in the area was not affected.

The authority launched an investigation into the matter.