The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier African SJB sustained structural damage at India’s Paradip Port after a 27-tonne steel slab fell into one of its cargo holds during the loading.
The accident happened on July 11 at Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT) while the MV African SJB was loading about 33,000 tonnes of steel slabs for the United Kingdom. Local reports said a shore crane was lifting a steel slab when the hoisting rope failed, causing the cargo to fall onto the vessel.
The impact breached the cargo hold floor, causing water ingress and affecting the vessel’s stability. Terminal workers immediately suspended loading operations and took emergency measures to prevent further flooding.
Repair teams sealed the damaged area later the same day, stopping the water ingress and stabilising the vessel. No injuries were reported among crew or dock workers, and no marine pollution was detected.
Investigators have not yet identified the cause of the lifting gear failure. Local reports suggested that poor supervision may have contributed, but authorities have not confirmed this and the official investigation is ongoing.
The extent of the damage and any impact on MV African SJB’s voyage remain unclear.
