On July 19, 2024, two crew members were airlifted to Singapore General Hospital after fires broke out on two vessels near Pedra Branca. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received reports of the incidents at approximately 6:15 AM. The affected vessels included the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile, which had 22 crew members, and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged tanker Ceres I, with 40 crew members onboard. Fortunately, all crew members have been accounted for, with no Singaporeans among them.

The MPA initiated a search-and-rescue mission near Singapore’s coast, requesting assistance from passing ships. A Republic of Singapore Navy vessel, RSS Supreme, was already in the area and provided support. Additionally, a Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter was deployed to facilitate the evacuation of the crew members.

During the operation, RSS Supreme successfully rescued 16 crew members from Hafnia Nile. Six others were picked up by a Malaysian government vessel and later transferred to the navy ship. A Singapore-flagged supply vessel in the vicinity assisted in the rescue of 14 crew members from Ceres I. The two individuals who were airlifted to the hospital were among those evacuated from this ship. The remaining 26 crew members of Ceres I are currently engaged in firefighting efforts on board.

The MPA confirmed that salvage and firefighting resources have been arranged by the vessel owners to aid in controlling the fires and safely towing the ships. Despite the incidents, navigational traffic in the area remains unaffected.