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The damage is clearly visible on the Japanese ship M Star that was involved in an accident. (WAM)
An official at the UAE Foreign Ministry said that the Japanese oil tanker 'M Star', which was heading to Japan, had met with an accident on Wednesday while transitting the Strait of Hormuz, as a result of which it had to sail back to the Port of Fujairah.
Director of Media Affairs and Government Communications at the Foreign Ministry Sultan Al Ali said in a statement that the investigations by the relevant authorities to determine the causes of the accident are still underway.
The statement further said that 'M Star', owned by Mitsui of Japan and flagged in the Marshal Islands, met with an accident, the reasons of which are unknown.
The vessel was transitting the Strait of Hormuz carrying on board 2 million barrels of oil loaded at Um Saeed, Qatar and Das Island, UAE.
The vessel arrived at the UAE territorial waters off Fujairah at 18.45pm Wednesday.
No casualties have been reported and there has been no oil spillage or pollution; the statement added.
Director of Fujairah Port Musa Murad told a press conference held at the Port of Fujairah that investigations are still underway to determine the real cause of the accident.
Meanwhile Capt. M. Mathew, the captain of the oil tanker owned by Japan's Mitsui OSK.Lines, said that the damaged vessel did not cause any pollution and there was no injury to crew except a minor one to Second Officer, for whom first aid was given.
In a letter of confirmation issued on Wednesday on the situation of the vessel, Capt. Mathew said that the vessel is totally mobile and moving under her own power without any assistance.
The letter also said that there is no underwater breach of the hull and only one breach is noted in the double skin area of approximate 60cms, which is 40cms above the water.
He also asserted that there was no ingress of water due to this hull breach and the vessel is completely stable and seaworthy and could proceed safely.
The vessel was then directed to the Port of Fujairah for investigation, survey and cold repairs.
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