Transport Malta reports a collision between a bulk carrier and a container vessel while transiting the Malacca Strait.
What happened?
The containership collided with the bulk carrier on July 11, in the Strait of Malacca, resulting in major damages and an oil spill. According to the Malaysian Coast guard, the two ships collided at 14.1 nautical miles southwest of Kuala Sungai. Furthermore, photos published by the Coast Guard show an oil spill from the breached hull of the Galapagos.
A steering system failure appears to have caused the collision, with Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria, saying that the bulk carrier was reported to have experienced steering system failure. This caused the ship to move to the right and block the route of the cargo ship.
No injuries have been reported, while both ships have been detained to assist in investigations by the Marine Department and the Environment Department (DOE).
Safety investigation activities
As soon as the accident was notified on 11 July 2021, the MSIU sought to arrange for its representative to board the vessel and collect the relevant information and documentary information. However, due to the pandemic situation and travel restrictions to Malaysia, this could not be achieved.
The Marine Department of Malaysia advised that it was willing to assume the role of a marine safety investigation Authority in accordance with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code.
The safety investigation led by the Marine Department of Malaysia is progressing with the analysis of a range of information relevant to this occurrence. The safety investigation will be focusing on:
- the unexpected alteration of course of the bulk carrier; and
- the dynamics leading to the collision between the two vessels.
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Source: Transport Malta
