A foreign tanker, the MTC Spike with carrying 33,000 metric tons of diesel, collided with the anchored bulk carrier MV Sunshine in Chattogram Port waters. Initial reports suggest the tanker lost control due to strong tidal currents.
Chattogram Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim confirmed the incident with reassuring the public that the cargo tanks remain fully intact and there has been no oil spill.
The collision did result in a one-square-meter crack on the port side of the MTC Spike’s engine room. The resulting water ingress caused a temporary power blackout, though emergency batteries are keeping the vessel's VHF communication systems online. To stabilize the ship, crews released 10 shackles of anchor cable, ensuring the vessel will float safely even during low tide.
The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard launched an immediate coordinated response. The CPA tugboat Kandari-8 is currently on-site providing rescue and logistical assistance.
Authorities have directed the shipping agent to unload the fuel as quickly as possible and instructed a specialized salvage company to repair the hull breach. Continuous communication is being maintained with the ship's master.
"The situation is completely under control" Secretary Hamim stated with adding that regular maritime traffic in the port channel remains unaffected by the incident. A formal investigation will follow to determine the exact circumstances of the collision.
