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Singapore Charges Crew in Fatal Tanker Collision Involving Shadow Fleet Vessel
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🔉👥 Singaporean authorities have formally charged two seafarers in connection with a deadly tanker collision last year that cast a harsh spotlight on the global shadow fleet trade.
According to Splash 247 , the July 2024 incident involved the Hafnia Nile, a Singapore-flagged product tanker, and the Ceres I, a shadow tanker flying the flag of SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe. The two vessels collided off the coast of Pedra Branca, igniting a fire that left one crew member dead and another critically injured. The blaze tore through both ships, forcing a mass evacuation of the Hafnia Nile's crew and sidelining the vessel from commercial service.
📢 This week, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) announced that two crew members from the Hafnia Nile now face prosecution under the country’s Merchant Shipping Act. If found guilty, they could face up to two years in prison and fines of up to S$50,000 (approximately USD 39,000).
Named in the court filings are Officer of the Watch Wickramage Viraj Amila Shavinda Perera, 40, from Sri Lanka, and Lookout Soosai Anthony Vainer, 35, from India. Perera is accused of neglecting core navigational responsibilities, including failing to maintain proper situational awareness and bridge watch protocols. Vainer allegedly made unauthorized helm adjustments and did not report the Ceres I’s proximity to the bridge team.
According to reports cited by Splash247, the Hafnia Nile was sailing fully laden through the busy eastern approaches to Singapore when it struck the Ceres I, which was unladen and drifting at anchor. The Ceres I has since been tied to the shadow fleet – a loosely monitored network of older tankers engaged in sanctioned oil trading. The vessel reportedly went dark after the incident and was last tracked near Nigeria under an unspecified flag.
Initial claims from Malaysian authorities suggested the Ceres I attempted to flee, but those allegations were later walked back amid evidence the vessel may have been drifting during onboard firefighting efforts.
⚖️ Singapore’s State Court has scheduled the first hearing for later this month. The case is being closely watched, not only for its legal implications but for the broader questions it raises about accountability in shadow fleet operations and maritime safety enforcement.
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