Three Dead After Collision in India

Three men were killed on Sunday after the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Amber L collided with a fishing boat, near Cochin port in India. 

The fishing boat Carmel Matha had 14 on board at the time of the early morning accident. The bulk carrier and her 22 crew have been detained after being apprehended by the Indian Navy as they sailed away. The Greek captain has reportedly been charged with culpable homicide.

The fishermen were rescued by a nearby boat and have been admitted to various hospitals in Kochi.

Local media are questioning why the bulk carrier was close to the port (about 12 nautical miles) when she was not due to enter. There are also allegations that the bulk carrier did not take emergency measures to avoid the collision and was not appropriately lit up.

The 47,282dwt vessel is reportedly managed by Karlog Shipping in Greece.

Around 1,000 ships pass through Indian waters each day and about 27,000 fishing vessels are in operation.