Kollam

An offshore supply vessel carrying 12 crew members, en route to Saudi Arabia from Hong Kong, was forced to anchor at Kollam port on Monday due to escalating military tensions in West Asia.

The diversion comes as the conflict in the region entered its third day following a US-Israel military campaign against Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran on Israel, American bases and Gulf nations.

According to port authorities in Kollam, the vessel was unable to proceed towards the Saudi coast because of the prevailing security situation. The crew sought assistance to anchor safely at the Kerala port. Officials clarified that the ship is a small offshore supply vessel and not a cargo ship.

They added that the diversion was purely precautionary, triggered by travel disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict, and that necessary assistance is being extended to the vessel and its crew.

George Ferdinand Xavier, Director of PAX Shipping Agency, told ANI that the vessel, Zaki Vision, had earlier berthed at Kuala Lumpur while sailing from China to Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia.

“Due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the vessel, with a crew of 12 from the Philippines and Indonesia, sought shelter in Kuala Lumpur,” Xavier said, adding that it later also sought refuge in Colombo.

He said port authorities, along with Customs and Immigration officials, have cleared the vessel for entry at Kollam, and it will be allowed to resume its onward journey once the situation improves.

Xavier further noted that PAX Shipping, acting as the vessel’s agent in Colombo, is ensuring all necessary facilities for the crew, including bunker fuel, fresh water and provisions.

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“The vessel will proceed to Saudi Arabia only when the geopolitical situation permits and after receiving clearances from the Kollam Port Authority, Customs Department, Bureau of Immigration and the Port Health Department,” he added.