Investigation launched after two 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.

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.

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.