Dragging Anchor Sends Oil Tanker Drifting in India
An oil tanker is drifting in India after its anchor failed to hold.
Authorities have been instructed to cooperate and tow the vessel to safety. Maritime agencies are concerned that the ship will run aground or allide with a bridge, so they are monitoring it closely. Local fisherman initially alerted authorities due to fear of the tanker drifting towards their village.
The Pratibha Tapi is a 24,000-tonne oil tanker and belongs to Pratibha Shipping Company. It was anchored 12 nautical miles off Mumbai for two months, and is in ballast condition. It has a crew of four onboard and minimal fuel.
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Due to rough weather and swell, the anchor started dragging, which caused the vessel to drift. It has now been stabilized and the crew is safe.
The tanker’s owners have been asked to dispatch salvage tugs to tow the vessel to the nearest port, however, they claim to be unable to afford tugs due to bankruptcy.