Bangladeshi Merchant Ship Runs Aground On Vizag Beach

A Bangladeshi merchant ship, 80-meter long, drifted towards Visakhapatnam Beach, the 3,000-tonne cargo vessel MV Maa ran adrift from the anchorage point and near Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam early on Tuesday. It had lost both the anchors due to a deep depression that had crossed near the coast.

The ship, which was empty and had come to Visakhapatnam Port to load some cargo, was waiting near the anchorage point for the last couple of days for the berthing itinerary. The ship was almost running aground and people in large numbers, including the morning walkers, gathered in the area.

Image Credits: GopiKishorRaja / @GopiKishorRaja2 | Twitter

As per the preliminary findings by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust authorities, the ship had one anchor and this was not informed to the port authorities. Due to the persisting deep depression over the bay and heavy winds that hit the land in between Kakinada and Narasapura in Andra Pradesh, the sea had been very rough over the last two days, and because of this, the ship had lost its other anchor.

Since the winds were very strong, the 80-meter-long ship carrying about 15 crew drifted towards the shore and ran aground near Tenneti Park, located on the northern edge of the port limits.

As per the port authorities, the Protection and Indemnity authorities had been informed and an initial damage assessment would be made. Based on this, it would be decided whether the ship could be towed out or not.

It is learned that the master of the ship is confident that the ship can be towed out by two or three tugs if the tide is high.

The port authorities have informed the police, the Coast Guard, the shipping agents for the vessel, and other authorities concerned for necessary action.

Meanwhile, as the news spread, thousands of people rushed to the spot, braving inclement weather, to see the ship and many were seen clicking pictures with cellphones and professional digital cameras.

A Bangladesh cargo ship, lost its Anchor ⚓ and washed away towards the shore of Tenneti park, Vizag.
No casualties for now pic.twitter.com/bqT5Mto6dI

— @CoreenaSuares (@CoreenaSuares2) October 13, 2020

Reference: thehindu.com

Marine Insight does not own the rights of the video.

Source: Maritime Shipping News