In a display of teamwork, skill and quick thinking, PCG officers rescued 12 crew members from a burning ship!
By: Al Cheng
On 16 April 2024, the general cargo vessel Layar Anggun 8 was travelling in Singapore’s territorial waters when a fire broke out in its engine compartment. The blaze rapidly spread and, within minutes, thick black smoke had engulfed the back of the vessel, prompting the crew to initiate emergency protocols and call for immediate assistance.
At about 1pm, the Police Coast Guard (PCG) received a request from the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Maritime Security Task Force to assist the ship in distress. Officers onboard PCG Coastal Patrol Craft PH51 responded swiftly, arriving at the location within 15 minutes.
Explosions at Sea
Through radio communications with the vessel’s captain, PCG officers ascertained that the 12 crew members had gathered at the front main deck of the vessel with their lifejackets on.
Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard! Flames swiftly engulfed other parts of the Layar Anggun 8 as the fire spread.
There was just one thing on the minds of the PCG officers – the safety of the crew members. Officers assessed that it was unsafe for the crew members to remain on the Layar Anggun 8. As the PH51 steered through the swells and closer to the burning vessel, the officers directed the crew members to jump into the sea.
Pulled from the Water
Among the PCG officers involved in the rescue that day was Sergeant (Sgt) Mohd Azri Bin Mohd Jalil. He was on the lookout during the operation, ensuring the waters around the burning vessel were safe for manoeuvring.
“The situation could have escalated within seconds, so it was paramount for us to maintain composure, work effectively as a team and stay focused on our mission to save lives,” he recalled.
The PH51 steered closer to the burning vessel to reach the crew members in the water. Working as a team, they speedily pulled all 12 crew members from the water.
Once the crew members were safely on board the PH51, they were given hot drinks and blankets to keep warm. The officers also rendered first aid to a crew member who’d sustained lacerations on his hand.
The entire rescue operation had taken about 45 minutes and the crew members were brought back to Singapore safely.
PCG officers are tasked with safeguarding Singapore’s territorial waters. Besides being well-versed in the many different aspects of maritime policing, they’re also skilled in boat handling and navigation, essential in an environment where the weather and sea state can suddenly turn – and raise the risks against them.
Our PCG officers are thankful that all crew members of the Layar Anggun 8 were rescued during this harrowing incident. As for Sgt Mohd Azri, he added that: “Saving lives may take a moment of bravery, but its impact lasts a lifetime.”
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