Merchant ship collides with fishing boat off Kochi Coast

KOCHI : Coastal Police, Fort Kochi, have launched an investigation following a complaint that a merchant ship collided with a fishing boat in the outer sea off Kochi on Wednesday evening.

According to police, the merchant vessel MSC Silver II struck the fishing boat ‘Prathyasha’ around 5.30 pm. A major tragedy was averted as the ship slowed down after other nearby fishing boats alerted its crew.

Fishermen aboard Prathyasha reportedly had to jump into the water as the ship brushed against the side of their boat. The vessel sustained damage, and the fishing nets were destroyed. The boat owners later lodged a complaint with the coastal police.

“We have received the complaint and initiated an investigation. A formal case will be registered only after the facts have been verified. No injuries were reported, and the fishermen are currently assessing the extent of the damage,” said a police source.

Meanwhile, Jackson Pollayil, President of the Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Union, alleged that the ship was sailing in an area where fishing boats operate. “The designated shipping lane is nearly 20 km away from where the accident occurred. Authorities must ensure the safety of fishermen and their boats,” he said.