Two cargo ships collide near Karachi port

KARACHI: Two cargo vessels came into contact near the approaches to Karachi Port late Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate and large-scale rescue operation by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), officials confirmed. The incident involved MV NIWA, sailing under UAE flag, and MV PAPU, registered under the Liberian flag, which came into contact near the Fairway Buoy, outside the port’s main channel at approximately 2000 hours on May 28, 2026. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Upon receiving word of the collision, KPT swiftly mobilised its marine resources, deploying four of its major tugboats including MT Mithadar, MT Kharadar, MT Lyari, and MT Keamari to respond to the emergency, KPT spokesman said. The tugs successfully escorted the damaged vessel, MV NIWA, safely into Karachi Harbour for repairs, averting what could have been a serious threat to navigation safety and the marine environment. The entire rescue operation was completed by midnight on May 28–29. The operation was carried out during the Eid holiday period. Meanwhile, the container ship MV PAPU has been held at outer anchorage pending further proceedings. KPT authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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