A tanker carrying nearly 33,000 tons of diesel collided with an anchored bulk carrier at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday afternoon, prompting an immediate rescue response by the port authority, Navy and Coast Guard.
The collision occurred around 12:25pm when MTC Spike, carrying the diesel, struck MV Sun Shine, which was anchored at the outer anchorage, according to the Chittagong Port Authority.
Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said the tanker may have lost control due to strong currents.
The exact cause of the accident will be established after an investigation.
Despite the collision, all cargo tanks of MTC Spike remained intact, the port authority said.
No water entered the cargo tanks and there was no oil spill from the vessel.
The tanker, however, sustained damage to the port quarter of its engine room.
An approximately one-square-metre breach allowed water to enter the vessel and temporarily disrupted its power supply.
The vessel’s VHF communication system remained operational using emergency batteries, officials said.
To keep the tanker stable, 10 shackles of cable were released from each of its two anchors. The port authority said the vessel was expected to remain safely afloat even during low tide based on the prevailing tidal conditions.
The Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard launched rescue and emergency operations shortly after the collision.
Port tugboat Kandari-8 reached the site and began assisting with the operation.
The shipping agent, Pride Shipping, was instructed to unload the diesel cargo as soon as possible.
A salvage company has also been tasked with repairing the damaged section and carrying out the necessary salvage work.
The port authority said it was maintaining continuous VHF communication with the tanker’s master.
Officials said the situation was under control and there was no disruption to vessel movement through Chattogram Port’s channel.
Further details will be made available after the authorities assess the damage and determine the cause of the collision.
