The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched a search and rescue operation after a distress call was received from a Cyprus-flagged passenger vessel, Spectrum of the Seas, reporting that a passenger had fallen overboard in the Singapore Strait. The incident occurred at approximately 7:50 am on 31 July 2023 while the vessel was en route into Singapore.
Upon receiving the notification, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Singapore, which is operated by the MPA, promptly initiated the search and rescue efforts. To aid in the mission, MRCC Singapore issued navigational safety broadcasts to all vessels traversing the Singapore Strait and those in port, urging them to be vigilant and report any sightings of the missing person to the MRCC.
As of the time of this report, the identity of the missing passenger and the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been disclosed. Authorities are actively investigating the matter to determine the sequence of events that led to the passenger falling overboard.
Following the incident, the passenger vessel Spectrum of the Seas was brought to a berth in Singapore to support the ongoing investigation. Subsequently, the vessel departed from Singapore at approximately 4:30 pm.
The search and rescue operation remains underway, with multiple vessels and maritime agencies collaborating to locate the missing passenger. The MPA has not provided any further updates regarding the search efforts at this time.
The MPA and relevant authorities have reminded all maritime operators and passengers to prioritize safety measures while on board vessels and to adhere strictly to safety guidelines and protocols. Incidents like these underscore the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting in emergency situations at sea.
The MPA will continue to provide updates on the search and rescue operation as more information becomes available. Anyone with relevant information about the incident is urged to contact the MRCC Singapore immediately.
The maritime community and the public at large are urged to extend their full cooperation and support during this challenging time. Our thoughts are with the missing passenger’s family and friends, and we hope for a swift and successful resolution to the search and rescue operation.
MPA’s statement
Passenger Fallen Overboard in Singapore Strait
At about 7:50 am on 31 July 2023, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Singapore operated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was notified that a passenger onboard a Cyprus-flagged passenger vessel, Spectrum of the Seas, had fallen overboard in the Singapore Strait while enroute into Singapore.
2. MRCC Singapore is coordinating the search and immediately issued navigational safety broadcast to vessels in the Singapore Strait and vessels in port to keep a lookout for the missing person and report any sightings to MRCC Singapore.
3. Â The passenger vessel was berthed earlier in Singapore to support the investigation, and had departed Singapore at around 4:30pm.
Image source: カテã‚ン via Wikipedia Commons