Tanker involved in collision off Dubai coast moved to anchorage area

Dubai: The oil tanker involved in a collision with a container ship off the coast of Dubai on Tuesday has been transferred to a safe anchorage area.

Senior officers have been allowed to board the vessel and they are evaluating whether they can moor the tanker at a shore terminal so they can discharge the cargo on board.

The incident, which occurred at 12.25pm approximately five miles from Jebel Ali Port, involved the inbound tanker Kashmir carrying 20 crew and a Singapore-flagged container ship with 19 crew on board.

A spokesperson for DPA K-Ships said an investigation conducted by the local authority showed there was no pollution caused by the accident.

The spokesperson said: "Our managed vessel, the Kashmir, collided with the container vessel 'Sima Saman' at the portside area causing a hole in the tank and fire to the midship. Immediately the crew of the Kashmir started the fire pump in an attempt to fight the blaze, but within a few minutes they were forced to abandon the vessel due to the critical situation."

No fatalities were reported in the incident but two people were reported to have sustained minor injuries.

A spokesperson for Seacor Environmental Services said: "We're working with the port and the evaluation process is continuing, but it's not a fast process. There are a lot of issues, but the situation is under control. The tanker was not carrying crude oil – it depends on the currents, but it's highly unlikely to contaminate the shoreline. Seacor employees are onboard evaluating the condition of the vessel and are following health and safety procedures."