A US tanker and Greek bulker have collided off India, but no pollution has been reported.
The 50,000-dwt MR chemical tanker Atlantic Grace (built 2008), operated by International Seaways, and Evalend Shipping's 18,900-dwt handysize Aviator (built 2007) were involved in the incident on the evening of 27 November.
The clash took place in the Gulf of Kutch, according to India's ministry of defence.
The ministry said on Twitter that no oil slick was reported in the area, and no injuries had been sustained.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reported at least 44 seafarers on board the vessels, from India and the Philippines.
Neither ship was under command on Monday, according to AIS data.
Photos released by the ministry of defence appear to show the bow of the tanker in contact with the port side of the Aviator amidships.
The Atlantic Grace had protection and indemnity cover with North P&I Club, but Equasis lists this as having been changed to the UK P&I Club on Monday.
The Aviator is entered with Steamship Mutual.
Seaways confirmed to TradeWinds that its tanker had been involved in the clash in Kandla.
"Most importantly, we are thankful there were no injuries and no loss of containment; both vessels are free of cargo," a spokesman said.
"When the incident occurred, all emergency notifications were made to local port officials and Indian authorities. Both companies are working together with experts on the next steps , but both vessels are stable," he added.
The company does not yet know the cause and will not speculate at this stage.
"We will work closely with the authorities as they conduct an investigation and we will provide that information when it becomes available," the spokesman said.
The ICG is continuously monitoring the area for signs of pollution, the organisation said.
Environmental sensitivity
The area of the collision is considered to be a very sensitive marine diversity reserve, the ICG said.
An ICG pollution control vessel, the ICGS Samudra Pavak, was diverted to the site to initiate preventative measures.
An ICG helicopter is also carrying out a pollution assessment and assisting, the ICG added.
Both ships had reportedly left the Indian port of Kandla.
The Atlantic Grace was due to head to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Evalend has also been contacted for further information.
