Cargo Ship Sinks in Iranian Port

A Comoros-flagged general cargo vessel capsized while berthed in Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on March 19, 2019.

The ship in question was the 4,400 dwt SL Star, operated by the UAE-based Sea Link Shipping.

SL Star was loaded with 153 containers, Vessels Value’s data shows.

At the time of the incident, there were fourteen crew members on board, the majority of them being Indian nationals.

All of them were rescued from the sinking SL Star. Three men were transported to a local hospital, with one suffering serious foot injuries, according to Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

An investigation into the exact cause of the incident has been launched.

However, Iranian Tasnim News Agency report indicates that “a lack of coordination between the ship’s officer and the contractor charged with unloading the vessel” is likely the cause of the sinking.

The PMO added that preparations have been made to deal with possible pollution. In addition, container removal operations have begun.

Built in China in 2007, SL Star had a gross tonnage of 2,827 tons.