Removal of sunken vessel M.V. Everise Glory: Joint statement from the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore

05/08/2005 - Removal of sunken vessel M.V. Everise Glory: Joint statement from the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore

REMOVAL OF SUNKEN VESSEL M.V. EVERISE GLORY

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENTS OF 
MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE 

5 AUGUST 2005

1. The Officials of the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore on 5 August 2005 to exchange views on the removal of the sunken vessel M.V. Everise Glory which lies approximately 7 nautical miles North East of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, following a collision on 4 June 2005. 

2. Discussions were conducted in an open and friendly atmosphere, with both sides gaining a deeper understanding of each other's concerns. 

3. The Governments were in agreement that the safety of international navigation was of primary consideration, and that the consensus reached is without prejudice to claims by both countries concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, which is currently before the International Court of Justice. It cannot be interpreted as a change in the position of any party with regard to the sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

4. The Governments recognised that the decision on the method for removing the hazard posed by the sunken vessel depends on a multitude of factors, including the specific location of the wreck in the middle of one of the world's busiest sealanes, at a point where there is heavy converging and crossing traffic, the width of the sealane, the safety of the salvage operation, the protection of the marine environment and the interests of the international maritime community.

5. Both Malaysia and Singapore entered into discussions in the spirit of good neighbourliness and good faith, with close bilateral relations as the cornerstone of the discussions. After taking all factors into consideration, both Governments agreed that the sunken vessel should be completely removed. The conclusion of this meeting resolves the issue on the extent of wreck removal of M.V. Everise Glory. The two Governments also agreed that this agreement is not intended to set a precedent on wreck removal as each case has to be considered on its own merit.

. . . . .