Depression: Bangladeshi ship runs aground in India’s Andhra Pradesh

An 80-metre long Bangladeshi cargo vessel MV Maa drifted from the anchorage point and ran aground due to storm amid deep depression near Tenneti Park of Andhra Pradesh in India early today.

The 3000-tonne ship, which had only 50MT fuel, had gone to Visakhapatnam Port to load some cargo and was waiting near the anchorage point for the last three days for the berthing itinerary, reported The Hindu newspaper.

As per the initial findings by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust authorities, the ship had one anchor and this was not informed to the port authorities. Due to the persisting deep depression over the bay, the sea had been very rough over the last two days and the ship had lost its other anchor.

Since the winds were very strong, the ship carrying about 15 crew drifted towards the shore and ran aground near Tenneti Park, located on the northern edge of the port limits. All the crew members are safe.

As per the port authorities, the Protection and Indemnity authorities had been informed and an initial damage assessment would be made.

Sources said that the master of the ship is confident that the ship can be towed out by two or three tugs, if the tide is high.