Heavy Fog Triggers Maritime Collision at Chittagong Port

A lighterage vessel transporting industrial raw materials foundered in the Majhirghat area of Chittagong after a collision in the early hours of Sunday. The ship, known as the MV Titu-8, was carrying a substantial load of scrap metal intended for iron rod production when it struck another vessel amidst a thick seasonal mist. Despite the structural failure of the ship and its subsequent partial submersion, official reports from the Sadarghat Naval Police confirm that no lives were lost and no injuries were sustained during the ordeal.

The MV Titu-8 was operating as a transit craft, ferrying cargo from the outer anchorage of the Chittagong Port to the mainland for the Abul Khair Group. Sub-Inspector Ariful Islam noted that the accident occurred while the vessel was executing a turn to align with the shore for docking. During this manoeuvre, it impacted another lighterage ship, causing a significant breach along its starboard side. The resulting rupture allowed river water to flood the hold, causing the vessel to settle on the riverbed at the unloading point.

Fortunately, the proximity to the riverbank prevented the vessel from sinking into deep water. By Sunday afternoon, salvage teams were actively engaged in offloading the scrap metal to mitigate the financial impact of the cargo being lost to the silt. The thirteen crew members on board at the time of the impact were able to evacuate the vessel safely, reaching the shore without incident. Navigational data and sailor testimonies suggest that the extreme density of the fog was the sole catalyst for the collision, as visibility had dropped to near-zero levels.

Collision and Recovery Overview

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the logistical vulnerabilities within Bangladesh’s busiest maritime gateway during the winter season. While the MV Titu-8 remains partially submerged, port authorities are overseeing the recovery process to ensure the channel remains clear for other essential shipping traffic. The focus remains on recovering the heavy industrial scrap and assessing whether the vessel can be refloated once the hull is patched and the weight is reduced.