Two merchant vessels collided mid-sea off the Okha coast in Gujarat late on Friday night, but no oil spill or other damage has been reported so far.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, bulk carrier MV Aviator from Marshal Island and oil/chemical tanker MV Atlantic Grace from Hong Kong were involved in a mid-sea collision at around 9:30 pm on Friday some 12 nautical miles from Okha.
The Coast Guard deployed interceptor boat C-403 from Mundra, which was patrolling in the area, and C-411 from Okha, to carry out an assessment of the area towards marine pollution as the area is very sensitive marine diversity reserve. Coast Guard pollution control vessel CGS Samudra Pavak was also diverted for assessment and to initiate measures to prevent marine oil pollution. A helicopter of the Coast Guard is also carrying out pollution assessment and providing assistance.
“The Indian Coast Guard ships/helicopter deployed for area assessment have reported no oil spill or marine pollution from both the merchant vessels and the area is being continuously monitored for any marine pollution eventuality,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The MV Atlantic Grace, bearing Hong Kong flag, with 21 crew onboard had made its last stop at Kandla Port and was on its way to Fujairah port. The MV Aviator with 22 crew onboard had also made its last stop at Kandla Port. Tuna Port Anchorage was its next port of call.