Investigation launched after two foreign ships collide near Karachi Port

The government has launched an investigation after two foreign vessels collided near the entrance of Karachi Port on Thursday evening. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported following the incident.

The collision took place between 7:30 p.m. And 8:00 p.m. On May 28 near the Fairway Buoy. The vessels involved were the Liberia-flagged container vessel MV Popo and the United Arab Emirates-flagged cable repair vessel, identified as CS NIWA/MV NIWA.

Emergency Response and Recovery

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) marine teams initiated a rescue operation immediately following the clash. The Karachi Port Operations Centre dispatched four tugboats to safely escort the damaged MV NIWA to the harbor.

The cable repair vessel was subsequently berthed at berth No 5 to undergo necessary repairs. KPT pilots were also credited with playing a key role in the successful rescue operation.

While the MV NIWA required assistance, port authorities reported that the MV Popo remained stable and operational using its own engines. However, some containers from the MV Popo fell into the sea during the collision.

Did You Know? The KPT marine teams ensured the successful completion of the rescue operation despite the incident occurring during the Eid holidays.

Official Investigation and Liability

Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has ordered a formal investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident. The minister stated that the collision occurred due to negligence on the part of the masters of both vessels.

According to the minister, the accident took place outside the jurisdictional limits of Karachi Port. He has sought a detailed report on the matter while praising port staff for their effective management of the situation.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the minister’s attribution of the accident to “negligence” by both vessel masters suggests that liability may be shared, which could complicate the subsequent legal process for seeking financial compensation.

The MV Popo has been stopped at the outer anchorage and detained within Pakistan’s maritime limits. Port sources indicate that compensation may be sought from the owners of the vessel found responsible after a full damage assessment is completed.

Current Port Status

Despite the incident, KPT Chairman Admiral Shahid Ahmed confirmed that maritime activities at Karachi Port are continuing as normal. All relevant institutions, including the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) and the deputy harbour master, were informed of the event.

Karachi Port: Collision Between 2 Ships | Breaking News | City 21

The KPT administration stated that the prompt response of the marine teams helped avert potential threats to the marine environment and general shipping operations.

Potential Next Steps

Following the conclusion of the government investigation, officials may determine the specific degree of negligence for each party. This finding is likely to dictate the total amount of compensation requested from the vessel owners.

the detained MV Popo may remain at the outer anchorage until legal and financial clearances are resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were there any injuries during the collision?
No, authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

Which vessels were involved in the accident?
The collision involved the Liberia-flagged container vessel MV Popo and the UAE-flagged cable repair vessel MV NIWA.

What happened to the cargo on the MV Popo?
Port officials stated that some containers from the MV Popo fell into the sea following the collision.

Do you believe stricter jurisdictional oversight outside port limits could prevent similar maritime accidents?