Bulker Detained in Iraq after Deadly Collision

Iraq's Transportation Ministry At least four people died and seven are reported missing after a bulker Royal Arsenal collided with Iraqi diving support vessel al Misbar on Saturday, August 19, at Umm Qasr. Due to the strength of the impact, Al Misbar sank taking down 21 crew members with it. Ten crew members were rescued, while the search for the remaining missing sailors remains underway. The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), a governmental company under Iraqs Ministry of Transport, said on Wednesday that it has detained the bulker in the countrys territorial waters following a court order. As informed, the bulker, flagged in Saint Vincent and Grenadines, will stay put until the completion of the investigation into the incident. Al-Misbar is owned by the Iraqs state-run ports authority. Coastal defence forces, GCPI vessels, and a huge naval crane are at the site as activities on lifting the sunken ship for inspection gain momentum. World Maritime News Staff