CHENNAI: The Union Shipping Ministry ordered an inquiry into the collision of cargo ships M V Dawn Kancheepuram, owned by Mumbai-based Arya Group and British vessel B W Maple.
Amitabh Kumar, joint director general in the Shipping Ministry who is in Chennai to review operations, told Express that the inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the collision between the two ships.
Kumar said an official is being deputed from Mumbai to conduct the inquiry and added that the focus of the Shipping Ministry is now on what action should be taken to control the oil spill. He said M V Dawn Kancheepuram has been secured and is discharging fuel in Kamarajar Port. To a query that Indian Coast Guard found fault with M V Dawn Kancheepuram, he said that Indian Coast Guard’s role is to monitor the sea. “They would have issued notice in this regard,” said Kumar.
He said the inquiry would also look into whether the Port State or Marine Mercantile Department is conducting regular checks on shipping vessels in Katupuli and Ennore Ports.
There have been allegations that the inbound and outbound vessels from Katupuli and Ennore Ports are not being inspected by Port State Authority. However, experts point out that the inquiry should take into account the simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR or VDR) in the two vessels as well as Vehicle Traffic Management System (VTMS) in both the vessels.
Kamarajar Port had inaugurated the Vessel Traffic System last year which combines many sensors, including radar and meteorological sensors to provide an overall image of shipping movements in port and in adjacent coastal waters.
“We have the audio and video recordings, which we submitted to director general shipping for inquiry,” said Kamarajar Port sources.
Kamarajar Port officials also denied allegations that they do not have the wherewithal to implement contingency plans when a oil spill occurs. Captain M A Pillai, sailing master mariner with 30 years of experience in mercantile shipping worldwide, says that alcohol test of the masters of both vessels, pilot and the supervisor on duty at the VTS at the time of the accident should have been conducted.
He said the inquiry should also look into the statements of the pilots who piloted the MV BW Maple as well as the statement of authorised persons supervising vessel operations – berthing and unberthing- to note whether priority had been given to the deep draft vessel.