Overview
- The Directorate General of Shipping alerted the Indian Coast Guard after three detained merchant tankers began dragging their anchors in rough weather, a message that officials say was sent on July 5.
- MT Al Jafzia, which was unmanned at its anchorage, has presumably run aground about one kilometre off Manori beach and has dropped anchor while agencies assess its condition.
- ICG vessels ICGS Samrat and ICGS Samudra Prahari were diverted to the scene and the DG Shipping deployed the emergency towing vessel Water Lily to monitor the situation and prepare for towing or salvage.
- The other two ships, MT Asphalt Star and MT Stellar Ruby, were confirmed anchored with their crews safe, though one was reported to be slowly drifting and remains under watch.
- All three vessels were seized in February in an investigation of alleged illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfers, and officials say the rocky coast, strong winds and heavy rain are limiting small-boat approaches and heighten the risk of oil or chemical pollution.