Oil tanker carrying 33,000 tonnes of diesel collides with anchored bulk carrier at Ctg Port
MT C Spike's cargo tanks remained intact, but water entering a one-square-metre crack in the engine room caused a temporary blackout, the port authority says.
An oil tanker carrying around 33,000 tonnes of diesel collided with an anchored bulk carrier at Chattogram Port today (14 August), although the port authority said there was no oil spill and the tanker's cargo tanks remained intact.
The incident occurred around 12:25pm when MT C Spike collided with anchored bulk carrier MV Sun Shine, according to an emergency update issued by the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).
Initial information suggests that the tanker lost control due to strong currents, the CPA said, adding that the exact cause would be determined after an investigation.
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The port authority said all cargo tanks of MT C Spike remained completely intact and no water entered the tanks. "No oil leakage was reported."
However, water entered the tanker's engine room through an approximately one-square-metre crack on the port quarter, causing a temporary blackout.
The vessel's VHF communication system remained operational using emergency batteries, according to the CPA.
To stabilise the tanker, the crew released 10 shackles of anchor cable from each of its two anchors.
The CPA said tide calculations indicated that the vessel would remain safely afloat even during low tide.
Immediately after the collision, the CPA, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard launched rescue and emergency response operations.
CPA tugboat Kandari-8 reached the site and began assisting with the rescue operation.
The port authority instructed the shipping agent, Pride Shipping, to arrange for the diesel to be discharged as quickly as possible.
A salvage company was also instructed to repair the damaged section of the tanker and carry out salvage operations.
Continuous VHF communication is being maintained with the vessel's master, the CPA said.
"The situation is completely under control," the port authority said, adding that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, vessel movement through the Chattogram Port channel remains normal, according to the CPA.
