Navigation error is focus of probe into collision

MSC Chitra had moved out under escort from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Khalijia III was moving into the harbour to dock at Indira Dock of the Port Trust for repairs.

On July 17,Khalijia III had suffered a breach in the underwater hull and the bow went under water about six nautical miles off Mumbai. The Coast Guard had rescued the crew after which the vessel underwent initial repairs at an offshore anchorage.

Khalijia III,which had heaved its anchor for berthing on Saturday morning,is docked at Ballard Pier (extension) berth in Indira Dock.

The captains of the two ships were called in for questioning at the Yellow Gate police station. One responded and gave a statement; the other did not,citing his involvement in the ongoing rescue operation.

The investigation will look into log records and navigational commands communicated between the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) at the port and the ships.

A ship has multiple channels (or frequencies) of which the channel relevant to the port goes live at the time of anchorage,or exit from or entry to a port’s premises. According to primary investigation,there seems to have been a lapse at the end of one captain in responding to the communication going live at one channel. The investigation will also look into the procedure of frequency relay by the VTMS.