Licence of pleasure craft suspended after group of people filmed ‘partying on yacht’ near Lazarus

SINGAPORE: A vessel that was chartered for a social gathering has been temporarily suspended from operating, after a group of people filmed “partying on a yacht” near Lazarus Island last month were found to have breached COVID-19 regulations.

In a media release on Saturday (Jan 23), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said that the pleasure craft, ADVANT, will be suspended for 30 days for the incident on Dec 26.

This comes after MPA said on Dec 31 that it was informed of a video of "a group of people partying on a yacht".  

Photos and videos of the incident circulating on social media showed about 10 people on the vessel, with some dancing and wearing Santa hats. 

READ: MPA investigating after group of people filmed ‘partying on yacht’

MPA said on Saturday that based on preliminary investigations, the vessel had been chartered for a social gathering and there was co-mingling among the individuals on board.

"The number of passengers in a group on board the craft was more than the maximum group size of five that was allowed at the time," it said.

Investigations are still ongoing and further action may be taken against individuals if they are found to have breached the law, said MPA.

READ: With travel restrictions, more flock to Singapore islands for leisure

Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, individuals found to have committed an offence may be fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to six months, or both, for their first conviction.

Second or subsequent offences carry a  maximum fine of S$20,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both.

The craft or vessel may also have its licence suspended by MPA for up to 30 days, and the owner or operator be required to put in place a safe management plan to the satisfaction of MPA.

"MPA reminds all pleasure craft owners and operators to adhere strictly to the safe management plan they have submitted for their business operations, and play their part to keep the COVID-19 situation under control in Singapore," said the authority.

"MPA takes a very serious view of any breach of safe management measures and will not hesitate to take the parties involved to task."

During Phase 2 of Singapore's reopening, a maximum limit of five people was imposed on gatherings outside the home.

Singapore entered Phase 3 on Dec 28, with social gatherings of up to eight people now allowed in public. 

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram