Sulphur Cargo Ship Runs Aground Near Antarvedi Amid Cyclone Arnab
A cargo ship carrying sulphur ran aground near Antarvedi during Cyclone Arnab after an engine failure. Read more on the maritime emergency.
A maritime emergency has unfolded off the coast of Andhra Pradesh as a sulphur cargo vessel aground near Antarvedi. The incident occurred amidst the chaos of Cyclone Arnab, which has battered the region with ferocious winds and heavy rainfall.
Engine Failure Leads to Grounding
According to MMD Surveyor Dharmasastha, the cargo vessel was transporting sulphur when it drifted off its intended course. Port officials revealed that the ship had originally departed from Visakhapatnam; however, it suffered a critical engine failure while at sea. This mechanical breakdown left the vessel vulnerable to the elements, eventually causing it to run aground near the Antarvedi coast.
Maritime authorities and port officials are currently monitoring the situation closely. A full assessment of the vessel's condition and the determination of the next steps for salvage or recovery will take place following a detailed inspection by the concerned authorities.
The Fury of Cyclone Arnab
The grounding happened as the region grappled with the impact of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by 8 am on Wednesday.
The storm brought devastating conditions, including:
- Maximum sustained wind speeds: 125–135 kmph.
- Wind gusts: Reaching up to 150 kmph.
- Landfall timing: The cyclone crossed the coast between 2 am and 8 am on October 28.
Impact Zones and Geographic Spread
By 8:30 am, the system was centered over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and the west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD detailed the storm's proximity to several key locations:
- 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur.
- 40 km southwest of Yanam.
- 60 km southwest of Kakinada.
- 90 km east-northeast of Machilipatnam.
- 120 km east of Gannavaram and 120 km southwest of Tuni.
State Response and Damage Report
The Andhra Pradesh government has been placed on high alert to manage the crisis. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the state administration is working tirelessly to minimize property damage and safeguard the lives of citizens.
While there have been no reports of loss of life so far, the physical toll on the coastline has been significant. High-intensity sea waves and severe coastal erosion caused substantial damage to the Uppada coastal road near Kakinada. Authorities have already initiated restoration and repair works in the area to ensure connectivity is restored and the coastline is secured.