A crane lifting accident occurred at Indira Dock in Mumbai Port, India, on the evening of August 30, local time. A mobile crane became unstable while lifting a load weighing approximately 140 tonnes and struck the Barbados-flagged cargo ship Vienna, which was berthed for cargo operations. A fire subsequently broke out, injuring two crane operators. The port has launched an investigation, and no additional casualties have been reported. Any impact on subsequent port operations and vessel schedules has yet to be confirmed.

Key Highlights 

• Location: BPS berth at Indira Dock, Mumbai Port, India 

• Incident: A lifting operation involving a load of approximately 140 tonnes became unbalanced, causing a crane to strike a berthed cargo ship before a fire broke out 

• Casualties: Two crane operators were injured, with no additional casualties reported

Crane Strikes Berthed Cargo Ship During 140-Tonne Lift

According to the Mumbai Port Authority and several Indian media outlets, the accident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on August 30. The Barbados-flagged cargo ship Vienna was unloading cargo at the BPS berth in Mumbai Port at the time. The vessel had previously called at ports in China.

The approximately 140-tonne load was being handled by two mobile cranes operated by Barkat. According to preliminary information released by Mumbai Police, a lifting sling attached to one of the cranes shifted out of position and came loose during the operation. The weight of the load was then transferred to the other crane, causing it to lift off the ground. The crane’s telescopic boom struck the berthed vessel. The resulting friction then caused a fire.

Fire Brought Under Control, Two Operators Injured

Thick black smoke rose from the scene after the accident. The Mumbai Port fire department responded promptly and worked with the vessel’s crew to bring the fire under control. Two crane operators employed by Barkat were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. No additional casualties have been reported.

Based on the information currently available, the accident involved the lifting equipment, the berthed vessel, and shoreside cargo-handling operations. No official details have yet been released regarding the extent of damage to the vessel and crane or whether the cargo was affected. Further information remains pending the outcome of the port’s investigation.

Port Launches Investigation as Operational Impact Remains Unclear

Following the accident, the Mumbai Port Authority launched a detailed investigation, while the relevant safety authorities inspected the site. Representatives of the vessel, its P&I insurer, and those responsible for operations and maintenance took part in the site inspection and damage assessment. The port is arranging for the damaged crane to be removed safely and has instructed the relevant operator to implement corrective and preventive measures.

The cause of the accident, liability, and whether any safety procedures were breached remain under investigation. There is currently no information indicating that overall operations at Mumbai Port have been affected. However, as the accident occurred at a specific berth in Indira Dock, the resumption of operations at that berth and any changes to vessel berthing, cargo handling, and departure arrangements will require continued attention. Companies with upcoming import or export shipments through Mumbai Port should also monitor the latest notices from carriers and the port to minimize the impact of any local operational changes on subsequent transportation arrangements.

Sources and Disclaimer 

Sources include the Mumbai Port Authority, Mumbai Police, and publicly available reports from Indian media outlets. This article is intended solely for industry reference. Specific circumstances remain subject to the latest official information.