Ship collision off UAE coast due to 'navigational misjudgement'

Preliminary information regarding the collision between two ships in the Gulf of Oman was likely caused by a navigational misjudgement by one of the vessels, the UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) said on Wednesday.

The ministry said relevant authorities received a report regarding the collision at 1:30 am on Tuesday - one, an oil tanker named ADALYNN, flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, and the other a cargo vessel named Front Eagle, flying the flag of Liberia.

It added that the incident resulted in minor surface damage to the outer hulls of both ships, a small oil spill, and a fire that broke out in the fuel tank of one of the ships. Authorities "swiftly intervened and extinguished the fire," with no reports of injuries. 

The ministry said a technical investigation is underway in coordination with relevant international bodies, in line with transparency and in accordance with the highest international maritime standards.

A safe evacuation operation was carried out for the crew of the oil tanker ADALYNN, totalling 24 individuals, who were transported safely to Khor Fakkan Port by search and rescue boats operated by the Coast Guard of the National Guard and other competent maritime authorities.

The ministry reaffirmed it continues monitoring and assessment of the situation to ensure navigational safety and marine environmental protection, commending the institutional coordination and constant readiness to handle emergencies with professionalism and efficiency.