S'pore Navy rescues trapped crew

S'pore Navy rescues trapped crew

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Navy has launched operations to rescue
four women trapped in an anti-submarine ship that collided with a
merchant vessel in the Singapore Straits, the defence ministry
said Saturday.

Eight other crew members of the ship RSS Courageous were
injured in the collision with the Dutch-registered container
vessel ANL Indonesia before midnight Friday.

The collision happened in the eastern Singapore Straits near
the islet of Pedra Branca, where Singapore maintains a
lighthouse. The islet is also being claimed by Malaysia.

Four crew members -- all women specialising in handling
weapons and communications systems -- were trapped in their
sleeping quarters located at the back of the ship, which
sustained the most damage.

"There are still four crew members of the Singapore Navy
vessel unaccounted for. They are thought to be trapped in that
part of the ship," said Second Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Eight crew "sustained minor injuries" and were sent to
hospital for treatment. Five have since been discharged and three
were still under observation.

Broadcasting channel NewsAsia said six navy ships, a
helicopter, three police coast guard vessels, four tugboats and a
ferry were helping in the rescue operations. --AFP