Crew Members Charged in Fatal Collision Involving Singapore-Registered Oil Tanker

Authorities have taken legal action against two crew members of the oil tanker Hafnia Nile, which is registered in Singapore, after a tragic collision with another vessel, the Ceres I, resulted in a fatality and severe injuries. The incident occurred on July 19, 2024, about 55 kilometers northeast of Pedra Branca, within Singapore's maritime search and rescue area.

The crew members charged under the Merchant Shipping Act are Indian national Soosai Antony Vainer, aged 35, and 40-year-old Sri Lankan Wickramage Viraj Amila Shavinda Perera. According to the charges, Perera was responsible for overseeing the navigational watch during the critical time just before the collision, during which he allegedly failed to adequately assess the maritime situation, maintain situational awareness, and ensure a proper lookout, leading to the crash.

Furthermore, Vainer, who was designated as the duty lookout during this period, noticed that the Hafnia Nile was approaching the Ceres I closely but failed to inform Perera. His actions allegedly included steering the vessel without proper direction and neglecting the duty of maintaining a lookout, resulting in the disastrous collision.

In the aftermath of the incident, local Malaysian authorities initially reported that the Ceres I had left the scene, but later clarified that the vessel had merely drifted away. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is prosecuting the two men, whose cases were recently heard in the State Courts and are set to continue later this month. If convicted, each could face a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both. Vainer has legal representation from Mr. Andy Yeo, while Perera is defended by Ms. Wong Min Hui and Mr. Mato Kotwani.