Cargo vessel hits naval warship, no casualties

NEW DELHI - A naval warship returning after a day out for service families had a close shave Sunday when a cargo vessel collided with it in the Mumbai harbour, causing minor damage. No one was injured, an officer said here.

INS Vindhyagiri was entering the Mumbai harbour after a day out at sea Sunday evening when the cargo vessel rammed into it in the inner harbour, the navy officer said.

The navy has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

The officer said the warship was cleared to enter the inner harbour and was sailing in when two cargo vessels were seen nearby.

“The two merchant vessels were crossing each others’ path. Suddenly, one of them took a sharp turn to avoid the other vessel and ran into the warship,” the officer said, but could not give the name of the cargo ship.

The cargo vessel and its crew were detained for further questioning as part of the probe, he added.

INS Vindhyagiri, a frigate of the Nilgiri class, went out to sea carrying naval personnels’ kin as part of a family day programme. At least 200 family members of naval personnel were on board.

“Nobody is injured in the incident. All are safe,” the officer said.

Vindhyagiri is a 3,000-tonne, 20-year-old frigate commissioned in the navy in 1981.