Search and rescue operations continued on Friday for five missing crew members of the capsized Bolivia-flagged barge Heng Hong 168.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been co-ordinating operations since the incident was reported at about 8am on Thursday. The barge had capsized in Singapore waters, about three nautical miles west of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

As of 5pm on Friday, ongoing operations involved two Super Puma helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, two patrol vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy, two Police Coast Guard (PCG) patrol craft, divers, a diving support vessel and 60 passing commercial vessels.

The six crew members rescued on Wednesday by the PCG are well and do not require medical attention, said MPA. They reported that a total of 11 crew members, all Chinese nationals, were onboard Heng Hong 168. The Chinese Embassy in Singapore has also been informed.