Two ships barred from leaving Pakistan after Karachi Port collision

KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have barred two vessels involved in a collision off Karachi Port from leaving the country until investigation is completed, officials said on Saturday, after an initial probe found negligence by the captains of both ships.

A preliminary report prepared by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said that the collision occurred late on Thursday when a moving vessel struck another ship from behind outside the operational limits of the port.

The incident involved container vessel “MV Papu” and cable-laying vessel “MV Niwa”. No casualties or injuries were reported and port operations continued normally following the accident.

“The captains of both vessels were negligent, which led to the accident,” the initial investigation report said.

KPT said that the federal government had ordered an inquiry into the collision and that the “Mercantile Marine Department” and KPT are jointly conducting an investigation to determine the causes of the accident.

Authorities have imposed a temporary travel restriction on both vessels, preventing them from departing Pakistan until the inquiry is completed, KPT said.

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said earlier that the accident occurred on the night of May 28 due to negligence on the part of the captains of both ships.

“The causes of the maritime accident are being investigated,” he said in a statement.

According to the preliminary report, the damaged cable-laying vessel MV Niwa was safely brought into Karachi Port following a rescue operation involving four KPT tugboats and experienced maritime crews.

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed said that port activities remained unaffected by the incident and that the damaged vessel had been provided with all necessary technical and operational support.

Port officials said repairs to MV Niwa could be carried out at the Karachi Shipyard, while insurance representatives would also participate in the investigation process.

The findings of the joint inquiry are expected to determine responsibility for the collision and assess any financial liabilities arising from the accident.