Three vessels break loose off Mumbai coast, one runs aground near Manori
Three foreign-flagged merchant vessels broke free from their anchorage off the Mumbai coast amid rough seas and strong winds on Sunday, prompting a response from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). One of the ships, the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Al Jafzia, ran aground near Manori Island after its anchor chain snapped.
The Coast Guard said it diverted offshore patrol vessel ICG Samrat and pollution control vessel ICG Samudra Prahari to assess the situation and provide assistance. The Directorate General of Shipping alerted the Coast Guard after the vessels MT Asphalt Star, MT Stellar Ruby, and MT Al Jafzia began dragging their anchors in adverse weather.
According to officials, MT Al Jafzia drifted and ran aground near Manori Island due to the failure of its anchor chain in strong winds and rough seas. The other two vessels were reportedly drifting close to the coastline, but no immediate reports of damage or pollution were received.
The ICG teams are monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure maritime safety and prevent environmental hazards. Further assessments are underway to determine the condition of the vessels and any potential risks to navigation or the coastline.
