DIRdudes: Maritime Fidelity

bulk carrier ship of the ‘Handymax’ class similar to the Fidelity

At about 0030 hours on 1/7/1999, there was a collision between a Panama-registered bulk carrier "Maritime Fidelity" (GT 14,921) and a Liberia-registered Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) "New Venture" (GT 156,307) at Latitude 01 32.1'N Longitude 104 35.1'E about 30 kilometres north east of Horsburgh Lighthouse, outside of Singapore's port limits.

The "Maritime Fidelity", carrying a full load of fertilizer, was eastbound for Vietnam and the "New Venture", empty of cargo, was westbound for Singapore.

Built in 1984 with a crew of 28, the "Maritime Fidelity" had 4 cargo holds, 3 deck mounted lifting cranes was 156.7m long with a beam of 25.2m and a draught of 10.2m she displaced 40,900 tones.

The master of "Maritime Fidelity" reported that his vessel was holed at the portside and taking in water. The master of "New Venture" reported that his vessel sustained a small hole on the bulbous bow above the waterline, and was not in any danger of sinking. The vessel will make its way to Singapore.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) immediately informed the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Police Coast Guard and salvors of the collision. An RSN ship arrived at the scene to render assistance to the vessels. The Maritime Rescue and Co-ordination Centre at Port Klang, Malaysia, was also informed of the incident.

At 0338 hours, the master of "Maritime Fidelity" reported that his vessel was still taking in water and was in danger of sinking. He decided to abandon ship. All 28 officers and crew members from the "Maritime Fidelity" were rescued by the RSN ship and brought back to Singapore. No injury to any of the crew members was reported.

At about 0740 hours the salvors at scene reported that the "Maritime Fidelity" was still taking in water and sinking.

Source: MPA

The Wreck
Due to the wreck being a hazard to other ships the bridge was removed by Salvors in early November 1999, as well as removal of 450 tons of fuel and the cutting of the Derrick and 3 deck cranes.

Sketch of the wreck

The main hull (marked by buoys) now sits approximaely 50m from the Bridge; which is resting on a sandy bottom at about 44m. The bridge superstructure is relatively undamaged (accept for salvage works), the roof of the bridge section is approximately 37m.

The Dive