KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched a search and rescue operation off Johor waters following a collision between two oil tankers MT Hafnia Nile and MT Ceres 1.
MMEA acting director-general Maritime Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said that following the incident, which occurred 25 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Balau at 6.55 am today, a forward operating base was established at the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone jetty to coordinate the efforts.
"The Maritime Rescue Sub Center (MRSC) has deployed MMEA's KM Niah, Perkasa 29 boat, and Petir 12 boat.
"KD Gempita from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and a PA 9 patrol boat from the marine police were also deployed to the location for search and rescue operations," he said in a statement.
Saiful added that MMEA's Perkasa 29 boat arrived at the location of the incident at 9.50am and spotted both the oil tankers.
"The Department of Environment (DoE) has also been informed about the incident for further action in case of an oil spill.
"Officers and personnel on duty at the Abu Bakar Maritime Base (ABMB) have also been instructed to monitor the surrounding areas."
He said that a press conference regarding the incident will be held in Tanjung Sedili tomorrow, adding that updates will be provided.
Earlier today, Reuters reported that two large oil tankers were on fire in waters near Singapore, raising concerns about the environment as well as the impact on operations at the world's biggest refuelling port.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it was alerted to a fire at 6.15am today onboard both a Singapore-flagged tanker, Hafnia Nile, and a Sao Tome and Principe-flagged tanker, Ceres I.