40 Filipino seafarers safe after Singapore Strait ship collision

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 25, 2026

photo courtesy: The Straits Times

MANILA, Philippines — Forty Filipino seafarers aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier First Margaux are safe following a collision with a Chinese fishing vessel in the Singapore Strait, with Philippine authorities now arranging for their repatriation.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government had accounted for all 40 Filipino crew members and was coordinating with the vessel’s licensed manning agency, shipowner and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to bring them home.

“They are all safe and we are arranging for their repatriation through the LMA, shipowner and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore,” Cacdac said.

The DMW is also coordinating with Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See Sin Yuan regarding the incident. Singapore government records confirm See is the country’s ambassador in Manila.

The collision involved the First Margaux and the China-registered fishing vessel Lu Qing Yuan Yu in the Singapore Strait on Sept. 17.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said it is investigating the incident. According to the agency, the Chinese fishing vessel took on water following the collision but remained afloat and stable as its crew worked to manage the situation onboard.

The vessel was later towed to Raffles Reserved Anchorage for assessment. Essential crew stayed onboard during the tow, while Singapore Civil Defence Force personnel assisted in transferring other crew members to shore.

Singapore authorities reported no injuries among the crews of either vessel and no pollution resulting from the incident. Maritime traffic in the Singapore Strait was also unaffected.

The DMW has identified the 40 Filipinos as crew members of the First Margaux, according to reports citing the agency. Their families have also been contacted as authorities coordinate assistance and repatriation arrangements.

The Singapore Strait is one of the world’s busiest maritime passages, with Singapore operating a vessel traffic information system to monitor ships navigating the waterway.

Singapore maritime authorities have yet to announce the cause of the Sept. 17 collision as their investigation continues.