A ferry heading from Batam to Singapore had a close encounter at sea when it collided with a tanker, the La Digue, on 10 November 2024. Thankfully, all 165 passengers and seven crew members aboard the Singapore-registered MV Horizon 9 were safely evacuated without any injuries.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at around 5pm near Singapore’s Southern Islands as the ferry was making its way to HarbourFront Centre. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that a patrol craft was dispatched immediately to assist the ferry.
- Vessels Involved: Horizon 9 (ferry) and La Digue (tanker)
- Conditions: No injuries reported and no pollution observed
- Tanker Status: La Digue did not sustain any damage
Passenger Accounts
One passenger, Mr Junaidi, recounted the chaos on board. He noted that the ferry suddenly swerved left before the collision, which was followed by a loud bang. Despite initial fears of serious damage, passengers were reassured that only minor damages were sustained, allowing the ferry to remain operational during its return journey.
Ongoing Investigations
The MPA is currently investigating the cause of the accident, examining potential environmental impacts and collaborating with the ferry’s operator, Horizon Ferry. They are also in touch with various agencies, including the Singapore Police Coast Guard and the National Environment Agency, to ensure all aspects of the incident are thoroughly reviewed.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in our bustling waters—where both ferries and tankers navigate closely. As we’ve often seen, the sea can be as unpredictable as a hawker stall’s closing hours.