The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the detention of a Japanese-controlled ultramax bulker that is alleged to have hit a fishing vessel off the coast of India last month.
According to AIS information, the 61,339-dwt Navios Venus (built 2015) is at anchorage outside Mumbai in a laden condition.
It was alleged to have hit the fishing boat Siju Mon I, damaging the vessel and injuring 17 people on board, on 22 October, 20 miles (32km) outside Colachel harbour, southern India.
An additional allegation of failing to provide assistance to the fishing vessel or its crew has been made against the Navios Venus.
The detention order is to run for three weeks and is based on an alleged breach of India's collision regulations.
The Navios Venus, registered in Panama, is listed as owned by Japan's Murakami Sekiyu. Its protection and indemnity cover is with the Japan P&I Club.
The vessel was operating under a long-term charter contract with Navios Maritime Holdings, but that was scheduled to expire in September this year, according to the Navios website.
The claimant has argued that the fishermen's right to compensation through the ship's P&I insurance may be at risk if the vessel is allowed to sail.
Murakami Sekiyu has been contacted for comment.
