SINGAPORE, May 21 — A search and rescue operation is underway for a Bolivian-registered barge which was reported to have capsized 7.5 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca in Singapore waters at around 10am yesterday.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a press release yesterday that 14 of the 15 crew members are still unaccounted for. Of these, one is a Malaysian and the rest are Chinese nationals. A Chinese national was reportedly rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. The MPA, which is investigating the incident, said it deployed two vessels.

The search and rescue operation, which is being coordinated by Singapore, involves vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSS Daring and RSS Fearless), the Singapore Police Coast Guard and several Malaysian vessels.

The MPA said it has also engaged salvage companies to conduct salvage operations. Navigational broadcasts have been made to vessels in the vicinity to keep clear of the search and rescue area and to report any sightings of the missing persons, added the MPA. ― Today