LPG Tanker Collision with Indian Fishing Vessel Raises Maritime Safety Concerns

The crewmembers of an Indian fishing vessel reported that an LPG tanker collided with their boat, causing it to sink off the coast of southern India. The incident occurred early in the morning while the fishing vessel Paralogamatha was anchored near Colachel. Despite the collision, all nine crew members were rescued by nearby fishing vessels. However, the LPG tanker named Nus did not stop to render aid and continued on its commercial voyage.

The Nus tanker’s last AIS signal indicated that it was in the vicinity of the collision off Tamil Nadu and was headed to Sohar, Oman. The fishermens’ association has called for authorities to intercept the vessel upon its arrival due to its involvement in the incident. The Nus, previously known as BW Challenger, Cape Gas, and Portofino Gas, has a questionable history, including a false flag report and a withdrawn class certificate.

The Nus is managed by a company based in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a free trade zone in the UAE known for trading in sanctioned energy commodities. Over the past five years, the tanker has primarily operated in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. The vessel’s questionable history and actions following the collision have raised concerns among maritime authorities and the fishing community in the region.

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