"We believe Khalijia-III ignored international navigational rules which resulted in the collision with MSC Chitra," a senior MSC official said.
According to the official, it was apparent that MSC Chitra was properly proceeding outbound within the main navigation channel. Khalijia-III left its anchorage position and crossed the channel ahead of MSC Chitra but after crossing the channel, the former turned sharply to port and re-entered the channel, the official said, adding on re-entering, it continued to turn to port contrary to rules of navigation and its bow (front section) struck MSC Chitra ahead of midships.
With this collision, the vessel MSC Chitra suffered extensive damage and grounded close to the point of collision outside the channel. A number of containers fell from the deck as the vessel tilted about 20 degrees initially, the official said.
Currently, efforts are on by tugs to locate and retrieve the containers and put them on to barges. Some containers have been washed ashore and security has been deployed, he said.
The salvors and vessel managers are co-ordinating with authorities on all aspects of the salvage operations. The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF), an international marine pollution expert has also been appointed to advise and assist in containing and cleaning up operations with the assistance of the Coast Guard and local authorities, the official said.
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