Authorities said some containers from the MV Popo fell into the sea after the collision.
In this photo, taken and released by Karachi Port Trust, a container ship is docked at the Karachi Port in Karachi on May 29, 2024. Photo: KPT
ISLAMABAD:
The government launched an investigation on Friday after two foreign ships collided near the Karachi port entrance on Thursday night, while authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.
Karachi Port Trust (KPT) marine teams carried out a rescue operation after the collision near Fairway Buoy on the outskirts of Karachi Port.
“The collision occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on May 28 near Fairway Buoy on the outskirts of Karachi Port,” the KPT said in a statement.
Officials said the Liberian-flagged container ship MV Popo, which had departed berths 8 and 9, collided with CS NIWA/MV NIWA, a UAE-flagged cable repair vessel.
According to port authorities, the MV NIWA was waiting to embark a pilot and was moving slowly towards the channel at the time of the incident.
Authorities said some containers from the MV Popo fell into the sea after the collision. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry ordered an investigation into the incident to determine its causes.
He said that the accident had occurred outside the jurisdictional limits of Karachi port and that he had sought a report in this regard.
“I have requested a report on the maritime accident,” the minister said while praising the port staff for their timely response and effective management.
“No casualties or injuries have been reported in the collision between the two foreign ships,” he added.
The minister said that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the captains of both ships.
“The affected cable vessel was brought safely to port with the help of KPT tugboats,” he said.
Chaudhry said investigations were underway to determine the causes of the accident and reiterated that the government and relevant institutions remained fully active to ensure maritime safety.
