Pakistani authorities have prohibited two vessels involved in a collision near Karachi Port from departing the country until a thorough investigation is finalized. This decision follows an initial inquiry that attributed the accident to negligence by the captains of both ships.
The preliminary report by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) revealed that the collision took place late on May 28, when one moving vessel struck another from behind outside the port’s operational boundaries. The vessels involved were the container ship MV Papu and the cable-laying vessel MV Niwa.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported, and port operations continued without disruption after the incident. The investigation highlighted that the negligence of both captains was the primary cause of the collision.
In a significant development, the federal government has ordered a formal inquiry, with the Mercantile Marine Department and KPT jointly conducting the investigation to ascertain the exact causes of the accident. Meanwhile, a temporary travel ban has been imposed on both ships, preventing their departure from Pakistan until the inquiry concludes.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry confirmed that the accident occurred due to lapses by the captains and emphasized that the causes are under detailed examination. The damaged MV Niwa was safely escorted into Karachi Port after a rescue operation involving four KPT tugboats and skilled maritime personnel.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed assured that port activities remained unaffected by the collision and that the damaged vessel received all necessary technical and operational assistance. Officials indicated that repairs to MV Niwa could be undertaken at the Karachi Shipyard, with insurance representatives also involved in the ongoing investigation.
The joint inquiry’s outcome will determine accountability for the collision and evaluate any financial liabilities resulting from the incident.
