Singapore Prosecutes Two Seafarers in 2024 Tanker Collision That Claimed a Life

Two foreign crew members are facing prosecution in Singapore following a fatal collision between two vessels in July 2024, which resulted in one death and serious injuries to another seafarer. The charges were filed under Singapore’s Merchant Shipping Act and were formally brought before the court on July 2.

The incident occurred approximately 55 kilometres northeast of Pedra Branca, a strategic maritime point at the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait. The collision involved the Singapore-registered Hafnia Nile and Ceres I, a vessel flagged under the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.

The accused—Soosai Antony Vainer, 35, an Indian national, and Wickramage Viraj Amila Shavinda Perera, 40, from Sri Lanka—were serving on board the vessel Hafnia Nile at the time of the incident. Perera was reportedly the officer in charge of the navigational watch, while Vainer was acting as the duty lookout.

According to court documents, Vainer observed that the Hafnia Nile was closing in on the Ceres I, which was believed to be stationary at the time. Despite this, he allegedly failed to alert the officer of the situation and instead took unauthorised control of the vessel’s helm. His actions, including the failure to maintain a proper lookout, are alleged to have led directly to the collision.

Perera, who held primary responsibility for navigation, is accused of failing to adequately assess the surrounding conditions and ensure safe operations on the bridge. Prosecutors claim he neglected to maintain full situational awareness and did not enforce the lookout duties effectively prior to the allision—a term used when a moving vessel strikes a stationary one.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is leading the prosecution in the case. The collision claimed the life of Mr. Sellakkannu Shanmugasundaram, who was aboard the Ceres I, and caused serious injuries to another crew member, identified as Mr. Ge Junfu. Specific details regarding the extent of the injuries were not disclosed.

If convicted under the Merchant Shipping Act, both men could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to SGD 50,000, or both. The court is scheduled to review Vainer’s case again on July 23, while Perera’s hearing has been postponed until July 30.

The case underscores the critical importance of bridge resource management, watchkeeping discipline, and strict adherence to international maritime safety regulations. Investigations remain ongoing as the court prepares for further hearings later this month.

Reference: The Straits Times, Telegraph India

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