Karachi: Two vessels collided in open waters near Karachi Port, resulting in one ship becoming disabled and the other sustaining severe damage.
According to officials of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), the accident occurred near the KPT navigation channel. Authorities described the collision as a serious maritime incident. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although both vessels suffered significant damage.
A report prepared by KPT officials stated that one of the vessels involved was a container ship, while the other was a cable-laying vessel used for installing undersea communication cables.
KPT authorities have barred both ships from leaving Pakistani waters pending an investigation. An inquiry team has been formed, comprising officials from the Marine Mercantile Department (MMD) and Karachi Port Trust. Representatives of the insurance companies concerned will also participate in the investigation.
Providing details of the vessels, KPT officials said that the container ship involved in the collision is registered in the United Arab Emirates, while the cable-laying vessel, MV Neva, is registered in Liberia.
Sources said that the head-on collision occurred at approximately 7:55 p.m. yesterday near the port’s Fairway Buoy. According to preliminary information, the container vessel MV Popo was departing from Berths 8 and 9 when it collided with the cable-laying vessel CS Neva. At the time of the incident, CS Neva was waiting for a pilot and was moving slowly toward the channel.
The initial investigation report stated that the impact was severe, leaving MV Neva disabled. The vessel was subsequently towed back to port with the assistance of tugboats. Four large KPT tugboats, operated by experienced crews, participated in the rescue operation.
Sources added that the damaged vessel may undergo repairs at the Karachi Shipyard.
