THE Marine Department (JLM) has formed a team to investigate the collision involving the container ship MV GSL Grania and tanker MT Zephyr I in the waters off Batu Pahat yesterday.

The department said it would continue to monitor the condition of the Liberia-registered container ship and Panama-registered tanker to ensure the situation wax under control.

In a statement today, it said both vessels had been ordered to anchor in a safe place for damage verification and further investigations.

“The Marine Department has also taken steps to issue navigational telex (Navtex) to warn other vessels in the area or nearby routes about the current situation to enable them to take precautionary measures,” it said.

A preliminary investigation found that MT Zephyr I, which was on its way to Yantai, China, had lost control due to a steering system failure, causing it to swerve to the left and hit the starboard quarter of MV GSL Grania, which was on its way to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Gelang Patah.

According to the department, as a result of the collision, MV GSL Grania’s starboard quarter was damaged, while MT Zephyr sustained damage to its bow.

However, there were no reports of leakage or oil spills.

“We also want to advise the public not to spread any false news and cause confusion to the public,” it said. – Bernama, September 28, 2022.