Bangladeshi vessel runs aground amid storm in India

A Bangladeshi cargo vessel, MV Maa, drifted from the anchorage point and ran aground, due to a storm amid deep depression, near Tenneti Park of India's Andhra Pradesh early yesterday.

The 3,000-tonne ship 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 initial findings by Visakhapatnam Port Trust authorities, the ship had one anchor and this was not informed to 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 strong, the ship, carrying about 15 crew members, drifted towards the shore and ran aground near Tenneti Park, located on the northern edge of the port limits. All crew members are safe.

According to port authorities, the Protection and Indemnity officials were informed and an initial damage assessment would be made.

Quoting sources in India, an official at the Indian High Commission said a ship of the Indian navy was scheduled to start the rescue. Sources said the ship's master is confident that the vessel can be towed out by two or three tugs, if the tide is high.