Singapore Takes Legal Action Against Seafarers Following Fatal 2024 Tanker Incident

Image for representation only

In a recent report by The Straits Times, two foreign crew members are set to face legal action in Singapore following a tragic maritime accident that occurred in July 2024.This incident led to one fatality and left another seafarer with serious injuries.The charges were officially filed under the Merchant Shipping Act on July 2.

The collision took place about 55 kilometers northeast of Pedra Branca, a key navigational point at the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait. It involved two vessels: the Hafnia Nile, registered in Singapore, and Ceres I, which is flagged from São Tomé and Príncipe.The individuals facing prosecution are Soosai Antony Vainer, an Indian national aged 35, and Wickramage Viraj Amila shavinda Perera, a 40-year-old from Sri Lanka. At the time of the incident, both were aboard Hafnia Nile; Perera was responsible for navigation while Vainer served as lookout.

Court documents reveal that Vainer noticed Hafnia Nile was approaching Ceres I—believed to be stationary—but failed to inform his superior about this critical situation. Instead of maintaining proper lookout procedures or alerting others on board,he allegedly took unauthorized control of the ship’s helm. These actions are believed to have directly contributed to the collision.

Perera is accused of not adequately assessing navigational conditions or ensuring safe operations on deck. Prosecutors argue that he did not maintain full awareness of his surroundings nor enforce lookout responsibilities effectively before what’s termed an allision—when a moving vessel strikes one that is stationary.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is spearheading this prosecution effort. Tragically, Mr.Sellakkannu Shanmugasundaram lost his life aboard Ceres I due to this incident; another crew member named Mr. Ge Junfu sustained serious injuries although details regarding these injuries remain undisclosed.

If found guilty under the Merchant Shipping act provisions, both men coudl face up to two years behind bars or fines reaching SGD 50,000—or potentially both penalties combined. The court will reconvene for Vainer’s case on July 23 while Perera’s hearing has been rescheduled for july 30.

This case highlights how crucial it is for maritime professionals to adhere strictly to bridge resource management practices and watchkeeping protocols as well as international safety regulations at sea. Investigations continue as preparations unfold for upcoming court hearings later this month.

Reference: The Straits Times