Absolute and utter disaster. An Indian CoastGuard vessel, ICGS Vivek sank like a stone this afternoon minutes after being rammed by a Panamanian merchant vessel, MV Global Purity. The Vivek, a 1220-ton offshore patrol vessel that performed brilliantly with her crew during tsunami relief operations in 2004-05, had been docked at the Mumbai Port Trust’s Indira dock for a major refit by private firm Krasny Marine Services. While entering the dock, possibly as a result of navigational error, the merchant vessel tore into the patrol craft, ripping a huge gash in its hull. The ingress of water quickly pulled the ship down as hapless harbour personnel watched in horror. The ship is a little over 20 years old and this was its first major refit. Investigations are on. Wait for heads to seriously roll.
The Vivek was a tough boat, that had almost consistent deployment on rescue and relief work and received a unit commendation in 2004. Following the tsunami in December 2004, the ship acquitted itself with distinction, earning its crew multiple decorations for meritorious service.
Photos from CoastGuard Archives
isn't it bad enough that we have a shortage of military hardware in all spheres and then we have to lose a ship to a silly accident while being repaired!!! Awesome…
Hang the harbour pilot in the merchant vessel. Cancel his license !
wtf…can we afford this?…this is harakiri..
Ask merchant vessel to pay for a new Cost guard vessel……
So, how does it work now? Does the Panamanian shipping company pay the Indian Coast Guard ?
Whos going to pay for it? I hope the govt is able to levy some huge fine on the merchant vessel company (if required, confiscate the merchant vessel).
Don't let the merchant vessel leave Indian shores unless they pay for it. Otherwise you can forget any payment from that company.
get the F**** company to pay us a new coast guard ship
Cancle the pilot's permits, hold the merchant vessel until the company pays for the damage to the harbor and the cost of a new ship. Hardball negotiations needed here, give them 120 days to come-up with funds, or else they forfit the ship and all it's goods.
I thought harbor pilots were from the native country, i.e., should have been an Indian in this case. Please enlighten me
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Kate Kuree