Detained Ship MT Solis Refueled Amid Ongoing Investigation into Fishing Boat Collision
The detained merchant vessel MT Solis, currently anchored off the Vizhinjam International Port in connection with a recent collision involving a fishing boat, was urgently refuelled after reporting a critical fuel shortage. This development comes as authorities continue their probe into the maritime incident that has raised serious safety concerns.
Emergency Fuel Supply to Prevent Operational Crisis
The ship's captain sent an emergency communication to the directorate general (DG) of shipping, highlighting the urgent need for fuel to maintain essential onboard systems. In response, the Kerala Maritime Board and Vizhinjam port authorities swiftly intervened to address the situation. As an interim measure, around 1,000 litres of fuel were supplied to the vessel on Saturday, ensuring that critical operations such as power generation and safety equipment could continue functioning without interruption.
Officials have confirmed that a larger consignment of approximately 1.2 lakh litres of fuel is expected to arrive from Kochi on Sunday. This substantial delivery is anticipated to stabilize the vessel's immediate requirements while it remains under detention, preventing any further operational disruptions during the investigation period.
Strict Detention Orders and Investigative Protocols
The vessel has been formally barred from leaving port limits under orders issued by the mercantile marine department in Kochi. Authorities have directed that the ship must not proceed to sea or exit Vizhinjam without prior permission, as it is required for ongoing investigation and evidence collection related to the collision. Officials emphasized that releasing the vessel at this stage could adversely affect the probe, potentially compromising the gathering of crucial data and witness statements.
This detention follows a serious collision between MT Solis and the fishing boat IFB St Joseph on March 7, which occurred about 56.7 nautical miles off the coast of Nagercoil. The fishing vessel sustained severe damage in the incident, leading to significant concerns over maritime safety protocols. While nine crew members were successfully rescued, two fishermen, Laxman (45) and his son Badal (23), both natives of Kolkata, remain missing, adding a tragic dimension to the event.
Background and Ongoing Developments
The Panama-flagged vessel was en route from Oman to Colombo at the time of the incident, highlighting the international nature of the maritime trade involved. As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on determining the causes of the collision and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The refueling operation underscores the balance between maintaining vessel safety during detention and facilitating a thorough investigative process.
Officials noted that the timely intervention to refuel the ship was necessary to avoid any environmental or safety hazards that could arise from a complete fuel depletion. The situation remains under close monitoring, with updates expected as the larger fuel consignment arrives and the investigation into the missing fishermen and collision details continues.
