Govt orders probe after two foreign vessels collide near Karachi Port

The government has ordered an investigation after two foreign vessels, MV NIWA and MV PAPU, came into contact near the approaches to Karachi Port on May 28, while Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said no casualties or injuries were reported.

KPT said in an official statement posted on X that MV NIWA, a United Arab Emirates-flagged vessel, and MV PAPU, a Liberian-flagged vessel, came into contact around 2000 hours outside the Fairway Buoy.

“KPT immediately launched a massive rescue operation by deploying its four major tugs —MT Mithadar, MT Kharadar, MT Lyari, and MT Keamari — to safely escort the damaged vessel, MV NIWA, into Karachi Harbour for repairs, averting potential risks to navigation and the marine environment,” KPT said.

Deputy Conservator Captain Abrar Arif, Harbour Master Captain Babar Salim and Dock Master Captain Hamid Khan Jadoon supervised the rescue operation.

KPT said the operation was completed at midnight between May 28 and 29 despite Eid holidays, adding that the container ship MV PAPU had been held at outer anchorage.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry ordered an inquiry to determine the causes of the collision and sought a report on the matter.

He said the accident occurred outside the jurisdictional limits of Karachi Port and that no casualties or injuries had been reported in the collision between the two foreign vessels.

Chaudhry said the affected cable-laying vessel had been safely brought to the port with the assistance of KPT tugboats.

He said the accident took place due to negligence by the masters of both vessels.

The minister also commended the port staff for their timely response and management of the situation.

KPT said a detailed investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the incident, while the minister said the government and relevant institutions remained active to ensure maritime safety.