The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to a fire on a vessel anchored off the southeast of Singapore, near Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on the night of Jul. 11, at 9.35pm.
Smoke had been observed at the accommodation area of a Liberia-flagged tanker, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a press release.
The tanker was not carrying any cargo at the time of the fire.
Source: Photo via SCDF
40 marine firefighters deployed
SCDF added that a total of four SCDF marine firefighting and rescue vessels as well as around 40 marine firefighting specialists from Brani and West Coast Marine Fire Stations were deployed to the incident.
The marine firefighting specialists boarded the anchored tanker and, using a water jet, extinguished the fire which was confined to two accommodation decks.
The SCDF further noted that prior to their arrival, the tanker's crew had set up three water jets to cool the exterior of the vessel and another two water jets to control the fire.
SCDF added the move to cool the tanker's exterior is known as boundary cooling, which helps to reduce the temperature of the vessel's metal structure.
MPA added that the fire was extinguished shortly after.
All of the crew were also reported to be safe, with no injuries, and no pollution was observed.
There were also no Singaporeans onboard the tanker and there was no disruption to port operations.
SCDF added that after the fire was extinguished, damping down operations to prevent a rekindling of the fire continued until 5am on Jul. 12.
Source: Photo via SCDF
Source: Photo via SCDF
Source: Photo via SCDF
Source: Photo via SCDF
Cause of fire under investigation
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by SCDF and MPA.
MPA added, "Firm actions on vessel and personnel may be taken, including detention of vessel, if vessel is found not in compliance with the necessary safety regulations."
Top photo via SCDF