A Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, Sigma Pearl, ran aground near Antarvedi off the Kakinada coast in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday (October 28), after reportedly losing propulsion amid strong winds associated with Cyclone Arnab.
According to sources within the Visakhapatnam Port Authority quoted by Deccan Herald, the vessel lost propulsion shortly after departing Visakhapatnam for Singapore, following the discharge of its cargo of sulphur. Unable to manoeuvre, the bulk carrier was pushed by strong winds towards the coast near the Ravva oil field.
The reported engine failure is yet to be confirmed and will be subject to a technical inspection of the vessel.
All crew members were reported safe, with authorities initiating efforts to bring them ashore. The number of people on board and the extent of possible damage to the vessel were still being assessed.
The Mercantile Marine Department, port authorities and other maritime agencies are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Konaseema district administration. Officials said a detailed inspection would determine the vessel’s condition and the appropriate course of action.
Authorities plan to conduct a survey and initiate salvage arrangements once weather conditions improve and the cyclone-related risks subside.
Meanwhile, severe weather conditions disrupted maritime operations along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Gangavaram ports suspended cargo handling and berthing operations amid high swells and gale-force winds. Ships at anchorage were instructed to take necessary safety precautions, with port operations expected to resume on Thursday (October 29), subject to weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast southwest of Yanam between 2 am and 8 am on Wednesday as a very severe cyclonic storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. The system subsequently weakened into a deep depression by late Wednesday evening.