Singapore-bound ferry from Batam collides with tanker, all safely evacuated: Indonesian media - Yahoo News Singapore

On November 10, an incident occurred in Singapore's waters involving two vessels—a ferry and a chemical tanker. The ferry, named MV Horizon 9, was traveling from Batam to Singapore with 165 passengers and seven crew members on board. At around 7:30 pm, it collided with the LA Digue, a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew from both vessels were safely evacuated and brought to HarbourFront Terminal in Singapore, according to reports from Indonesian media and officials from Batam’s port authority, KSOP. The ferry had departed Batam earlier that afternoon, around 3:30 pm, and it was reportedly heading towards Singapore when the accident happened. A passenger named Mr. Junaidi shared his experience with The Straits Times, stating that the ferry suddenly swerved to the left before the collision. He mentioned that the ferry’s engine was then switched off, and he noticed the ferry moving toward the side of the tanker. A loud bang was heard at the moment of impact, causing some initial panic among the passengers, who feared serious damage. However, the ferry crew reassured everyone that the damage sustained was minor. Specifically, the bow of the Horizon 9 suffered damage but not enough to jeopardize the vessel's overall safety. After the collision, authorities promptly escorted the ferry to HarbourFront Terminal without further incident. Investigations into the exact cause of the collision are still ongoing, and concerns about possible environmental impacts are being addressed by the port authority in cooperation with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the ferry operator, Horizon Ferry. Officials from KSOP are actively communicating with various stakeholders to manage the situation and assess any repercussions. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, Police Coast Guard, National Environment Agency, and PUB have all been contacted for additional information, highlighting the coordinated response to the incident. The collision caused a disruption but no injuries or fatalities have been reported, which is a relief given the number of people involved. This event has raised questions about maritime safety protocols and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future accidents. Passengers onboard described a brief moment of alarm but noted the efficient handling by ferry staff and local authorities. The swift evacuation and safe disembarkation at HarbourFront Terminal demonstrate the effectiveness of emergency response procedures in Singapore’s busy maritime routes. Continuing investigations will likely look into the ferry’s maneuvering, communication between the vessels, and adherence to navigational regulations to determine what exactly led to this collision.