Video shows huge cargo ship ramming fishing boat in Singapore Strait

A dramatic video has surfaced on social media showing a collision between two vessels in the Singapore Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The footage was recorded by a crew member aboard the Chinese fishing vessel "Luqing Yuanyu 108."

The clip shows the 228-metre cargo ship "First Margaux," sailing under the Panamanian flag, plowing into a much smaller fishing boat without slowing down. After the impact, the fishing boat tilts sharply to one side as seawater floods its low deck and smoke begins pouring from its hull. Panicked shouts from crew members can be heard as they scramble to hold on and avoid being thrown overboard.

Automatic identification system data shows the incident occurred on September 17. Both vessels had left nearby anchorages and entered the western lane of the Singapore Strait's traffic separation scheme. The "First Margaux," with a tonnage exceeding 82,000, was travelling 2-3 knots faster than the roughly 49-metre fishing boat and struck its rear right side.

Although the fishing boat's deck was nearly submerged during the collision, the vessel remarkably withstood the impact. Its tracking signal continued operating afterward, and data indicates it later reached a nearby dock under its own power. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.

The cargo ship continued westward for about two hours at roughly 10 knots after the collision before stopping, turning around and dropping anchor.

Panama's Maritime Authority has confirmed an investigation has begun, though the official cause and responsible party have not yet been determined. Maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano suggested a third vessel may have obstructed the large ship's path, noting that collision videos typically show only one perspective. He also pointed out that the Singapore Strait is among the world's most challenging and congested shipping routes, carrying nearly 40% of global trade.