Crew member injured after unauthorised boarding of tanker BASSET in Singapore Strait

An unidentified party boarded the Singapore-registered tanker BASSET in the Singapore Strait, injuring a crew member who is now being evacuated. Authorities urge vessels to remain vigilant.

A crew member aboard the Singapore-registered chemical tanker BASSET sustained injuries following an "unauthorised boarding" of the vessel on Friday and is currently being medically evacuated, Singapore’s port authority has reported.

The incident took place on Friday morning in the Singapore Strait, according to a statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The authority stated that it is issuing safety broadcasts to advise vessels to remain vigilant but did not provide further details regarding the nature of the unauthorised boarding. It has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Incidents of armed robbery against ships are not uncommon. A Singapore-based regional maritime security centre recorded 61 such cases in the Singapore Strait last year, up from 58 in 2023.

The vessel is presently anchored in Singapore waters, with the Singapore Police Coast Guard and the Singapore Civil Defence Force deployed to provide assistance, the statement added.

The port authority also confirmed that all crew members of BASSET had been accounted for and that the safety of navigation in the Singapore Strait remains unaffected.

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