S'pore in search and rescue mission for 2 missing men near Pedra Branca
RSN servicemen had been activated to join in the search from Sunday evening (Dec 10). Photo: Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen/Facebook
SINGAPORE – Singapore authorities have begun a search and rescue operation for two men who went missing after their sampan capsized on Sunday (Dec 10) near the waters off Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it was informed by Johor’s Maritime Rescue Sub Centre that the men’s sampan capsized earlier in the day around 4.30pm.
TODAY understands that the men are Malaysians.
According to a media release by the MPA on Monday, the incident had occurred 0.8 nautical miles southeast of Pedra Branca, within the Singapore Maritime Search and Rescue Region.
A map location of where the sampan capsized. Photo: MPA
The Republic of Singapore Navy Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Sovereignty was immediately deployed to the area of the incident for the search and rescue operations.
The MPA has also issued navigational broadcasts asking ships to look out for the missing men and to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the incident.
As of 12pm on Monday, Singapore Police Coast Guard vessel PH58 was on-scene conducting SAR operations. The Republic of Singapore Air Force also deployed helicopters to the incident area to support SAR efforts.
Singapore is coordinating the SAR operations with the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities. The MPA is investigating the incident.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen noted that Singapore, Malaysian and Indonesian authorities are coordinating their search and rescue efforts to look for the two men.
Helicopters and ships from various agencies are involved, said Dr Ng.
“This is a good working relationship and I’m glad that such close co-ordination occurs when lives are at stake,” he added. “I hope we find the two men.”
