Indian Coast Guard Saves 21 Sailors After Mid‑Sea Collision Near Gujarat

The Indian Coast Guard intervened on September 12 near Kandla, Gujarat, after two merchant ships—MV KMAX EMPEROR and MV TRUE MARINER—clashed on the Arabian Sea. Of the 24 crew members on the KMAX EMPEROR, 21 were evacuated safely by rescue teams, while the remaining three stayed aboard as the vessels were assessed.

The collision occurred off the offshore terminal belt (OTB), a busy lane for commercial traffic that links Indian ports with global shipping routes. Early reports indicated that weather conditions were clear, suggesting that navigation error rather than a storm was the primary factor. The Coast Guard’s rapid response, involving fast‑response boats and a helicopter, prevented a potential loss of life and mitigated the risk of a spill that could affect coastal fisheries.

For the South‑Asian diaspora, the incident underscores the vital role Indian seafarers play in international trade and the importance of robust maritime safety protocols. It also highlights the Coast Guard’s readiness to protect both human life and the marine environment that sustains many coastal communities across India.