Singapore
Singapore-registered tanker involved in “unauthorised boarding” in Singapore Strait, says MPA
A Singapore-registered chemical tanker, Basset, was boarded without authorisation in the Singapore Strait on 28 February 2025. One crew member was injured, and Singapore authorities have secured the vessel. MPA has not classified the incident as piracy. Investigations are ongoing.
A Singapore-registered chemical tanker, Basset, was boarded without authorisation in the Singapore Strait on the morning of 28 February 2025, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The incident took place at approximately 6.50am, around 2 nautical miles outside Singapore’s territorial waters.
The Singapore Police Coast Guard was alerted at about 7am and subsequently boarded the vessel at 8.20am after it had entered Singapore’s territorial waters.
Officers conducted a sweep to ensure no unauthorised individuals remained on board.
One crew member, a 29-year-old Indian national, sustained injuries during the incident.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed receiving a distress call at about 7.10am and dispatched two marine firefighting and rescue vessels from the West Coast Marine Fire Station.
The injured crew member was later transported, conscious, to the National University Hospital.
MPA has not provided details on the nature of the boarding or identified those responsible, and it has not classified the incident as piracy.
However, the authority assured that all crew members on board the Basset have been accounted for, with no Singaporean nationals among them.
The vessel is now anchored in Singapore waters. The Singapore Police Coast Guard and SCDF remain deployed to assist with the situation.
Meanwhile, MPA has issued safety broadcasts advising vessels in the area to remain vigilant.
Despite the incident, MPA stated that navigation safety in the Singapore Strait remains unaffected.
According to VesselFinder, the Basset is a chemical tanker built in 2019 and sails under the Singapore flag. The vessel measures 183 metres in length and 32 metres in width.
Investigations by Singaporean authorities are ongoing.
