No fatalities, injuries or oil spills have been reported after a ship collision 32 nautical miles off Tanjung Sedili, says the Marine Department Malaysia.
KOTA TINGGI: The Southern Region office of the Marine Department Malaysia has formed an investigation team following a collision between a bulk carrier and a barge about 32 nautical miles off Tanjung Sedili yesterday.
The department said in a statement today that the team will conduct a preliminary investigation, gather detailed information and identify factors that contributed to the incident.
The incident, which occurred at about 2 pm, involved the bulk carrier MV QI LIN (registered in Majuro) and the barge ADAMANTIUM (registered in Kuching), which was being towed by the tugboat HIGHLINE 56 (registered in Kuching).
At the time of the incident, the barge was carrying about 9,000 tonnes of natural gypsum from Thathong, Thailand, to Kobexindo, Indonesia, while the MV QI LIN was sailing from Cai Lan, Vietnam, to Singapore.
It said the collision damaged the port side of the ADAMANTIUM, causing water to enter the barge. However, preliminary reports indicated that its condition remained stable and under control.
“No fatalities, injuries or oil spills have been reported so far, while the extent of damage to the MV QI LIN remains unknown pending a safety assessment and review of the prevailing conditions,” the statement said.
The department said it is taking the incident seriously and will ensure that a comprehensive and impartial investigation is carried out to establish the cause.
It is also focusing on navigational safety, barge stability, and the risk of marine pollution, in line with its commitment to strengthening maritime safety and protecting the marine environment, the department added.