Bulk carrier Southern Explorer and cargo vessel Best Unity have collided in the Singapore Straits. The accident occurred on 12th September around 2:30 p.m. UTC.
The vessels were in opposite directions – the Best Unity was en route from Taiwan in ballast while Southern Explorer was heading to Taiwan fully laden. Both vessels were damaged significantly. Southern Explorer was breached and suffered water ingress. The vessels managed to anchor off Singapore. Several tugs have been dispatched to provide assistance.
Southern Explorer (IMO number 9248459 and MMSI 354151000) was built in 2002. The 177,943-DWT vessel is registered in Panama.
Video of the collision between Southern Explorer and Best Unity