A SINGAPORE-bound ferry from Batam collided with a chemical tanker in Singapore waters on November 10, prompting the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew.
The MV Horizon 9, carrying 165 passengers and seven crew members, struck the Marshall Islands-flagged LA Digue in the evening, Batam News reported, citing Batam’s port authority KSOP. The collision was reported to authorities at around 7.30pm Singapore time.
Authorities confirmed that the bow of the Horizon 9 suffered damage, but all passengers and crew were safely escorted to Harbour Front terminal.
KSOP said the ferry had departed Batam at approximately 3.30pm and that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and any potential environmental impact.
KSOP is coordinating with Horizon Ferry, the ferry’s operator, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
One passenger, Junaidi, described the moments before the collision, saying the ferry suddenly swerved to the left and its engine was turned off. “I noticed the ferry heading for the side of the tanker.
There was a slight commotion in the ferry as we initially thought that the damage was quite serious,” he told The Straits Times.
He added that ferry staff reassured passengers that the damage was minor and authorities subsequently escorted the vessel safely to Harbour Front terminal.
Investigations continue, with authorities assessing both the cause of the collision and any possible environmental consequences. - November 11, 2025
