Malaysia has intercepted and detained the oil tanker Ceres I, which fled the scene of a collision with the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile on Friday, causing both vessels to catch fire.

All crew members from both ships were rescued, with around 26 remaining on Ceres I to tackle the fire.

The incident occurred about 55 km northeast of Pedra Branca. Ceres I, flagged under São Tomé and Príncipe, had tu ed off its tracking system after the collision.

Malaysian coastguard officials discovered an oil spill covering around 17 square kilometers.

The tanker, operated by Shanghai Prosperity Ship Management, has been linked to carrying Iranian crude under U.S. sanctions. Investigations are ongoing.
(colombotimes.lk)