Accidents in the Straits involve collisions, contacts, founderings, strandings, fires, engine troubles, bilgings and leakages. An analysis of the types of vessels involved in a maritime casualty indicates that the risk of an accident can involve almost every type of ship plying the Malacca and Singapore Straits. The situation is serious, considering the extent of the casualties, many of which result in loss of lives, pollution damage and loss of earnings for those whose livelihood depends on the Straits, as well as significant wreck removal projects. The risks posed by smaller crafts moving in the Straits must not be under estimated. Large ships have got into serious trouble and even sunk after colliding with such crafts. Fire, explosions and pollution, too, have resulted from accidents between small and large ships. The main causes of accidents in the area are: