The Kerala High Court has ordered the seizure of all data, including digital records, from the Panama-flagged ship MV Amber L that collided with a fishing boat on Sunday, June 11, off Cochin, killing two local fishermen, local media reported.
A third fisherman is reported missing since the incident, and eleven are said to have sustained injuries.
The court acted upon a plea made by the boat’s owner who claimed that the digital data from the ship might be destroyed should the authorities fail to act quickly.
The ship and its crew have been detained in Cochin by the port authorities and various enforcement agencies are said to be making sure the ship does not leave anchorage.
“Presently, the ship is at the anchorage of Cochin Port after completing bunker operations. Cochin Port Trust has denied permission to the vessel to sail out from the anchorage and has asked the enforcement agencies to ensure that the vessel does not leave the port,” Cochin Port Trust said on Monday.
Following the court order, Indian police and coast guard officials inspected the vessel.
“The officials from Police, Customs, Immigration, DG (Shipping) and Coast Guard entered the ship by 10 am Monday and carried out their inquiry proceedings. As Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) wanted another technician on-board, he was also transported to the ship in the afternoon. The members from Immigration and Customs have completed their inquiries and returned to the shore by 4.30 pm. Other officials are continuing their verification,” the port added.
The Handymax bulk carrier, built in 2000, is owned by Greek Karlog Shipping and its market value is USD 5.2 million, data from VesselsValue shows.
World Maritime News Staff