Merchant Vessel Assisted After Oil Pump Failure Off Kerala Coast

A merchant vessel with 24 people onboard encountered a technical issue due to an oil pump failure off the coast of Kerala. The vessel, named Bitumen Tanker YLW and sailing under the flag of Cook Islands, was en route from Haldia port in Kolkata to Sharjah when the pump malfunction occurred. The crew sought assistance from authorities in Vizhinjam, over 14 nautical miles away from the coast, leading to a delay of five days in their journey.

Despite efforts to bring a spare pump from Gujarat to Vizhinjam, the shipping agency Dowins Resources faced obstacles in ferrying the pump to the stranded vessel. Adani Port authorities demanded a significant fee to transport the pump, but after further negotiations, the Maritime Board intervened and expedited the survey process of the Dhwani tug to facilitate the delivery of the pump to the ship.

After completing necessary port and customs procedures by Monday evening, the oil pump was successfully delivered to the vessel. With repairs completed, the ship departed for Sharjah by midnight, with all 24 crew members, including 23 Indians and one Myanmar native, onboard. The incident highlights the importance of prompt and efficient response mechanisms in maritime emergencies to ensure the safety and timely operation of vessels.

Source