A serious collision involving two bulk carriers has occurred off Kandla on India’s Gujarat coast, prompting a major rescue and pollution-response operation.

On September 11, the 91,807-dwt KMAX EMPEROR (IMO 9477426), flying the Liberian flag, collided with the 38,239-dwt TRUE MARINER (IMO 9599822), a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier, near the Outer Tuna Buoy anchorage serving Deendayal Port.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, 21 of the 24 crew members aboard KMAX EMPEROR were safely evacuated following the collision, while three remained onboard to support vessel operations. The Coast Guard has also activated comprehensive pollution-response measures and is coordinating with India’s Directorate General of Shipping, central agencies and the Gujarat state administration.

Information attributed to Deendayal Port Authority indicates that KMAX EMPEROR was carrying coal with a draft of about 14.4 metres when the accident occurred roughly 14 nautical miles from the OTB. The vessel suffered heavy structural damage and water ingress, prompting the deployment of port tugs, the Harbour Master and a pilot to assist the emergency response.

Images from the scene show substantial damage around the vessel’s aft section.

As of the latest authoritative public update available, no fatalities have been reported, while pollution-response precautions remain in place. The exact sequence and cause of the collision have not yet been officially established.

Kandla sits on the Gulf of Kutch, one of India’s busiest bulk-shipping areas, making the casualty particularly significant from both a navigational-safety and environmental-risk perspective.

Source: Indian Coast Guard / Deendayal Port Authority