The Amber-S: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The freighter 'Amber L', which faced detention following its collision with the fishing vessel 'Carmel Matha' just 14 miles off the coast of Kochi on June 11, 2017, has finally been released. The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) granted clearance for the vessel's departure on January 8, 2018. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of two lives, while another individual remains missing. The MMD has permitted 'Amber L' to exit Kochi port, contingent upon clarification from the Kerala High Court, ensuring that this release does not interfere with any lawful directives from other authorities, including ongoing police investigations related to the accident. The freighter's detention followed a High Court order prompted by a petition from surviving fishermen and the families of those who perished in the crash, seeking compensation for their losses. A recent communiqué from the MMD indicated that the Kerala High Court had clarified that the existence of any court actions would not halt the release of the ship unless specific prohibitory orders were in place. According to the Assistant Solicitor General's legal advice, there were no such restrictive orders in effect as of the High Court's ruling on December 29, 2017. Additionally, the MMD noted that essential documents and records pertaining to the vessel had been secured following a High Court directive and subsequently handed over to the investigating officer of the Kerala State Coastal Police. The inquiry, conducted by appointed Preliminary Inquiry Officers (PIOs) from the Director General of Shipping, confirmed the thorough completion of the investigation pursuant to Section 359 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, adhering to the Marine Casualty Investigation Code set forth by the International Maritime Organization.

On July 17, the Kerala High Court mandated the detention of the cargo ship 'Amber L' following a tragic incident involving an Indian fishing vessel. The collision, which occurred on June 15, resulted in the deaths of two fishermen and injuries to several others. Justice P. B. Suresh Kumar's ruling requires the master of 'Amber L' to ensure the ship remains anchored within Indian territorial waters while the central government is tasked with overseeing its compliance. This decision came after a petition was submitted by the victims of the collision. Prior to this ruling, the coastal police took action by arresting the vessel's captain and two crew members. An inquiry conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in Kochi revealed that the 'Amber L' was involved in the deadly incident with the Indian fishing boat 'Carmel Matha,' which occurred off the Kerala coast at approximately 2:23 a.m. on June 11. The investigation, supported by both digital and physical evidence, determined that the 'Amber L' was responsible for the unfortunate collision. In total, two fishermen lost their lives, while 11 others sustained injuries but were later rescued by nearby vessels; both deceased fishermen's bodies were recovered. However, one fisherman identified as Motidas from Assam remains unaccounted for.

An ongoing police investigation into the June 11 collision involving the commercial vessel 'Amber L' and the fishing trawler 'Carmel Matha', approximately 14 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, has classified the incident as a hit-and-run. Initial inquiries reveal that the crew aboard the Amber L, led by Captain Georgiannakis Ioannis, Second Officer Galanos Athanasios, and Seaman Zewana, acknowledged awareness of the crash but opted against stopping to assist. These crew members have been in police custody since July 4 for questioning regarding the tragic incident. At the time of the collision, the Amber L was en route to Kochi for refueling, and the crew claimed to have been unaware of the subsequent events, which included the loss of two fishermen's lives and one individual reported missing. The custody of the accused concluded at noon on July 6, ahead of their scheduled appearance in Thoppumpady Magistrate Court. A hearing for the bail application has been set for July 7 at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court. Authorities continue to investigate the ramifications of this collision, which resulted in significant tragedy for the local fishing community.