Ship carrying 1,200 tonnes of ceramic raw materials sinks near Ctg Port after mechanical failure

A lighter vessel carrying around 1,200 tonnes of ceramic industry raw materials has partially sunk today (18 October) near the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port after suffering a mechanical failure in the Bay of Bengal, close to the confluence of the Karnaphuli River. 

The vessel, named MV Zayan, developed engine and steering problems yesterday night (18 October) while operating within the port's jurisdiction. 

According to port officials, the ship sank early this morning near Patenga Sea Beach, close to the Bangladesh Naval Academy, while being towed toward the coast.

Kazi Mohammad Shiblu, operations officer of Zayan Shipping Lines, the vessel's owner, told The Business Standard that the ship suffered a steering failure around 8pm yesterday, followed by an engine breakdown.

"We managed to keep the vessel stationary overnight, but when we attempted to bring it closer to the shore this morning, it began sinking. By then, more than half of the ship had gone under," he said.

Port authorities said the incident has not disrupted vessel movement in the Chattogram Port channel, despite the ship being located near a key navigation route.

Chattogram Port Secretary Md Omar Faruk said the vessel was carrying ball clay, a key raw material for ceramic manufacturing, which it had loaded from the port's outer anchorage for delivery to Dhaka.

"All the cargo on board has been damaged by seawater," Faruk confirmed.

All 13 crew members on board were rescued safely, he confirmed.

According to MA Rony, secretary of the Lighterage Workers' Union, the vessel's hull cracked after it became grounded near the Naval Academy area.

"Water entered through all three cargo hatches, and about 90% of the ship submerged. Only the uppermost part remains visible during high tide," he said.

He added that since the ship is lying outside the main channel, shipping operations at Chattogram Port remain unaffected.