Two merchant vessels collide off Gujarat coast; Indian Coast Guard rescues 21 crew members

Two merchant vessels collided off the Gujarat coast near the outer anchorage of Kandla, prompting the Indian Coast Guard to launch a rescue operation in which 21 of the 24 crew members aboard one of the vessels were safely evacuated, the force said on Friday.

The collision involved merchant vessels MV KMAX EMPEROR and MV TRUE MARINER off the outer anchorage OTB Kandla, the Indian Coast Guard said in a post on X.

“Following a collision between merchant vessels MV KMAX EMPEROR and MV TRUE MARINER off outer anchorage OTB Kandla, @IndiaCoastGuard launched a swift rescue operation, leading to safe evacuation of 21 of the 24 crew members aboard MV KMAX EMPEROR,” the Coast Guard said.


Three crew members remain onboard MV KMAX EMPEROR to support vessel operations, it said.

The Coast Guard has also activated pollution response measures following the collision and is coordinating with maritime and government authorities.

“Concurrently, #IndianCoastGuard has activated comprehensive #PollutionResponse measures and is closely coordinating with Directorate General of Shipping, Central Agencies, and the State Administration,” it said.

The force added that it remained alert to the situation and maritime safety along the Gujarat coast.

“#ICG remains fully alert and committed to ensuring #MaritimeSafety and preserving the coastal ecosystem of #Gujarat,” the Coast Guard said.