Bulk carrier MV KMax Emperor suffered major hull damage after colliding with another bulker at an anchorage off Mundra Port in India’s Gulf of Kutch.
The collision occurred on September 11 between MV KMax Emperor and MV True Mariner. The vessels had been anchored near each other for several days.
AIS data shows that MV KMax Emperor left its anchorage and approached MV True Mariner at up to four knots before the collision. After the impact, MV True Mariner drifted west and later anchored again near its previous position. MV KMax Emperor also returned to anchor nearby.
MV KMax Emperor suffered extensive damage to its port quarter. The vessel was trimmed by the stern and had a slight list to port.
The Indian Coast Guard launched a rescue and pollution-response operation. Twenty-one crew members were safely evacuated. Three others remained aboard to assist with the response operation.
Coast Guard images showed extensive damage to the bulker’s port-side hull. The vessel are sitting noticeably low in the water.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the casualty.
