Damage to the Al Khattiya.
The captain of the Indian tanker that rammed the side of a LNG carrier and another vessel while navigating through vessels at a Fujairah offshore anchorage has been banned from commanding vessels calling at the port, a document from Port of Fujairah shows. The port has also imposed a fine of nearly $22,000.
The accident occurred February 23 as the Indian-flagged MT Jag Laadki made contact with the anchored LNG carriers Al Khattiya and later Iglc Anka at the Fujairah Offshore Anchorage in the United Arab Emirates.
An AIS animation shows the MT Jag Laadki enter the anchorage and slam directly into the starboard side of the Al Khattiya before continuing on and eventually making contact the Iglc Anka about a half hour later.
According to a document posted online from the Port of Fujairah, an investigation revealed that the Master of the Jag Laadki, Captain Aniruddha Paraukar, had poor knowledge in maneuvering ships and ignored the “International Rule of Routes”, which ultimately led to the collision. The two LNG carriers were anchored in the anchorage’s “D” area, and visibility and weather conditions were good at the time.
Based on the investigations, the Fujairah Port Authority ruled that Captain Paraukar will no longer be allowed to command vessels calling at the Port of Fujairah and the Fujairah Offshore Anchorage. Further, a fine of AED 80,000 (approx. $21,800) has been imposed on the Master for ignoring the International Rules of Routes and causing threat to nearby vessels. The fine will be debited to the account of Yacht International LLC, the ship’s local agent, the document said.
As a result, sailing of the Jag Laadki from the anchorage, where the vessel remained as of Wednesday, will be with the assistance of a pilot and tugs considering Captain Paraukar’s inability to maneuverer his ship through anchored vessels. Charges related to the piloting will also be debited to the ship agent.
No injuries or pollution were reported as a result of the incident. The Al Khattiya had the worst of the damage with two ballast tanks breached, but no reported damage to the ship’s LNG containment system.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,807 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A 37-year-old crew member was saved after spending three harrowing days adrift at sea following alleged abuse aboard a fishing vessel. Afif Efendy, a crew member of the fishing vessel...
British oil and gas major Shell on Tuesday settled a London lawsuit it brought against environmental group Greenpeace after activists boarded a Shell oil production vessel last year.
Satellite imagery show that Russian naval ships have left Moscow's base at Tartous on Syria's coast and some have dropped anchor offshore following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,807 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
