Accidents of Merchant Ships
During the last three years, 93 merchant ships registered in India met with accidents. During the last three years, 23 lives have been reported to be lost in these accidents. Damages to Marine species/habitat or public property due to accidents on Indian Merchant Ships have not been reported.
As per the accidents reported to the Directorate General of Shipping, 19 Ships of the Shipping Corporation of India were involved in these accidents.
All accidents falling within the meaning of casualty are investigated under the provisions of section 359 of MS Act, 1958, as amended. Subsequently, DG Shipping issues Marine Casualty Circulars, highlighting the causes of accidents and lessons learnt. Also stringent Flag State Inspections (FSI) are being undertaken to ensure compliance of all International & National Safety and environment protection requirements. An Emergency Towage Vessel manned by specialized crew has been positioned from last year on the West Coast of India for tackling Marine Emergencies during the monsoons.
All efforts are made to facilitate recovery of charges, consequent to incidents of casualty from the ship owners or their insurance companies.
The above information was given by the Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha
