Roll I & II



All aerial shots of tanker being towed by 3 tugs in Malacca Straits - about 20 miles from Malaysian shores & 50 miles from Singapore




Initials JT/V/MK/YA


PLEASE SEND ORIGINAL to LONDON aS B/W Negative retained in Singapore.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The 214,00-Ton Giant Tanker Aquarius which recently caught fire in the Indian Ocean was towed slowly through the Straits of Malacca today (Saturday).

Singapore Port Authorities said they understood the fire was already under control.

There has been some speculation that the massive tanker might have trouble negotiating the narrow straits and other shipping were advised to give the japanese vessel and its three tugs a wide berth.

Agents for the Aquarius said it would probably to taken to a Japanese Port for repair rather than putting into Singapore. They were unable to specify the extent of the damage.