A serious marine casualty was reported at the Outer Anchorage (OTB) off Kandla, Gujarat, on 11 September 2026, after merchant vessels MV KMAX EMPEROR and MV TRUE MARINER were involved in a collision.
The incident triggered an immediate emergency response, with the Indian Coast Guard launching a rescue operation for the crew of KMAX EMPEROR.
According to the latest reports, KMAX EMPEROR, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier (IMO 9477426), had 24 crew members on board at the time of the incident. 21 crew members have been safely evacuated, while three crew members remained on board to assist with ongoing vessel operations and the response effort.
The collision involved TRUE MARINER (IMO 9599822), a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier. Reports indicate that the vessels became entangled during the incident, with KMAX EMPEROR subsequently suffering serious damage and beginning to sink. The exact circumstances and cause of the collision remain subject to investigation.
Reports further indicate that the crew of TRUE MARINER managed to release their anchor and move the vessel away from the casualty area. Members of its crew also assisted in the rescue of personnel from KMAX EMPEROR.
KMAX EMPEROR had reportedly arrived off Kandla after carrying a large coal cargo, with AIS-based reporting indicating approximately 85,968 tonnes of coal aboard.
Following the collision, emergency resources were mobilised to the casualty area. Tug assistance, rescue resources and pollution-response capabilities were activated as authorities assessed the condition of the vessel and the potential environmental consequences.
The Indian Coast Guard has activated comprehensive pollution-response measures and is coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping, central agencies and the Gujarat state administration. The measures are intended to address any potential marine pollution arising from the casualty.
The immediate priorities remain the safety of the remaining crew, stabilisation and assessment of KMAX EMPEROR, management of the damaged vessels, pollution prevention and subsequent salvage/casualty response operations.
Further information is expected regarding the full extent of structural damage, vessel stability, cargo condition, the final status of all crew members, possible pollution or fuel leakage, and the circumstances that led to the collision.
Key Incident Details
Incident: Collision / Marine Casualty
Location: Kandla Outer Anchorage / OTB, Gujarat
Date: 11 September 2026
Vessels: MV KMAX EMPEROR and MV TRUE MARINER
KMAX EMPEROR: Liberian-flagged bulk carrier
Crew aboard KMAX EMPEROR: 24
Crew evacuated: 21
Remaining aboard: 3, supporting ongoing operations
Response: Indian Coast Guard SAR and pollution-response measures
Additional response: Tug and emergency resources mobilised
Environmental concern: Potential marine pollution following the casualty