Working Conditions Aboard the Panormitis

On May 15, 2020, an alarming incident occurred involving the tugboat 'Dolphin I' while it was engaged in towing the barge 'Kim Heng 191'. The vessel was situated approximately 2.2 nautical miles south-southwest of Tanjung Piai, Johor, Malaysia, within the westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait. During this operation, two individuals were observed boarding the tugboat. They swiftly made off with two mooring ropes before escaping in a small craft. Fortunately, there was no confrontation with the crew on board. The master of the 'Dolphin I' promptly reported the theft to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS). In response, a navigational safety broadcast was disseminated, alerting nearby vessels of the situation. The Republic of Singapore Navy's Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), Singapore Port Command (PCG), and Malaysian authorities were also informed. All crew members aboard the tugboat were reported safe, and no further assistance was deemed necessary, allowing the vessel to continue its voyage unhindered.