Investigation launched after two foreign ships collide near Karachi Port

The government launched an investigation on Friday after two foreign vessels collided near the entrance of Karachi Port on Thursday evening, 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 the Fairway Buoy outside Karachi Port.

“The collision occurred between 7:30pm and 8pm on May 28 near the Fairway Buoy outside Karachi Port,” the KPT said in a statement.

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Officials said the Liberia-flagged container vessel MV Popo, which had departed from berths 8 and 9, collided with CS NIWA/MV NIWA, a United Arab Emirates-flagged cable repair vessel.

According to port authorities, MV NIWA was waiting to embark a pilot and was slowly moving towards the channel at the time of the incident.

Officials said some containers from MV Popo fell into the sea following the collision. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry ordered an investigation into the incident to ascertain its causes.

He said the accident had occurred outside the jurisdictional limits of Karachi Port and that he had sought a report on the matter.

“I have sought a report on the maritime accident,” the minister said while commending the port staff for their timely response and effective management.

“No casualties or injuries have been reported in the collision between the two foreign vessels,” he added.

The minister said the accident occurred due to negligence on the part of the masters of both vessels.

“The affected cable-laying vessel has been safely brought to the port with the assistance of KPT tugboats,” he said.

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Chaudhry said investigations were underway to determine the causes of the accident and reiterated that the government and relevant institutions remained fully active in ensuring maritime safety.

Following the incident, the KPT launched a large-scale rescue operation. The Karachi Port Operations Centre immediately dispatched four tugboats, which safely escorted the damaged MV NIWA to Karachi harbour.

The vessel was later berthed at berth No 5 for repairs, while KPT pilots also played a key role in the rescue operation.

According to the KPT, MV Popo informed port control that it remained stable and operational on its own engines. The vessel was subsequently stopped at the outer anchorage for further investigation.

A meeting chaired by the KPT chairman was underway at Karachi Port following the incident.

Port sources said MV Popo had been detained within Pakistan’s maritime limits and compensation would be sought from the owners of the vessel found responsible after an assessment of the damage caused to the affected ship.

Despite Eid holidays, the KPT marine teams ensured the successful completion of the operation through their prompt response and professional conduct, a spokesperson added.

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All relevant institutions, including the deputy commissioner, deputy harbour master, JMIC, MIC-II, and the Maritime Security Agency (MSA), had been informed about the incident.

The KPT administration praised the performance of the marine teams, saying their timely action helped avert potential threats to shipping operations and the marine environment.

Meanwhile, KPT Chairman Admiral Shahid Ahmed said maritime activities at Karachi Port were continuing as normal.

“The affected vessel was provided every possible technical and operational assistance,” he said.