Update on the Sinking Ship MV RAK Carrier in Mumbai

The Directorate General of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping today received information from Mumbai Port that MV Rak Carrier type Bulk Carrier, Flag Panama, GRT 36196, DWT 63695, built in 1984, manned with 30 crew (Indonesian, Jordanian, Romanian) on board was observed to be adrift in a position approximately 20 miles off from Prongs Reef Light House located at the entrance of Mumbai Harbour since early hours of morning. This vessel was on her voyage from Lubuk Tutung (Indonesia) to Dahej (Gujarat) having cargo of 60054 MT cargo of Coal on board reported ingress of water. This vessel is owned and managed by a Qatar based company and classed with Lloyds Register of Shipping. The vessel was reported to be having about 290 tons of fuel oil and 50 tons of diesel oil; the exact quantity is being confirmed from the rescued crew of the ship.

The Directorate in the capacity of Maritime Assistance Service (MAS) requested the Indian Coast Guard to render immediate assistance to this vessel in distress. In addition it also directed the Shipping Corporation of India, the charterer of Smit Lumba, Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV), to send this unit to the casualty site for rendering assistance.

The last report received from the Coast Guard and ETV today indicated that ¾ length of the vessel (Overall length about 225 meters) has already been submerged. Efforts are still being made to salvage the ship.

The Indian Coast Guard immediately swung into action and dispatched their vessels to the site and also conducted aerial sorties to assess the situation. The Coast Guard also directed a couple of merchant ships and naval ships to proceed to the site to provide support services to the ETV and the Coast Guard crafts. The entire crew of the vessel was safely rescued by the Coast Guard and the Naval Ship. 18 Nos. crew have been shifted to shore by Navy Chopper and 12 Nos. Crew shifted to a merchant Ship which is now anchored off Mumbai harbor.

The Indian Coast Guard has already dispatched their oil pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari, which is standing by to deal with any pollution if it all takes place from the ship. So far, no pollution has been reported.

The Mumbai Port and the National Hydrographic Officer, Dehrahun have been advised to issue navigational warning so that the mariners are warned in advance of this danger.

The flag administration has also been notified of this shipping casualty. The Directorate, under the provisions of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 has issued statutory notice to the ship owner, ship manager and the local ship agent.

Efforts are being made to contact the owner and its insurer. The other designated Coastal State Authorities are being notified to take appropriate action against the polluter. Meanwhile, the ETV has been instructed to mark the sinking ship with a marker buoy if practicable and safe.

The Directorate General of Shipping has already ordered statutory enquiry into this incident, and would also request the flag state to investigate under the prevailing International law.

MG/AS