Casualty News

VIENNA

Date
August 30, 2026

Type
Crane collapse / fire during heavy-lift cargo operations

Voyage
Luojing, China to Mumbai, India via Singapore

Reports have been received that the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier “VIENNA” was involved in a serious crane accident and fire while carrying out heavy-lift cargo operations alongside at BPS Berth, Indira Dock, Mumbai Port, India, on 30 August 2026.

It is understood that a cargo weighing approximately 140 metric tonnes was being lifted from the vessel using two shore-based mobile cranes. During the lifting operation, a sling or strap securing the cargo reportedly became imbalanced and came loose, causing the load to shift onto the second crane. The second crane was lifted off the ground and its telescopic boom struck the vessel. The crane subsequently overturned towards the vessel and a fire broke out.

The fire was brought under control by the Mumbai Port Authority Fire Brigade with assistance from the vessel’s crew. Two crane operators were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The extent of damage to “VIENNA” and the cargo involved in the lifting operation has not yet been confirmed. Mumbai Port Authority has commenced a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident and the safety measures followed during the cargo operation. The site has also been inspected by the relevant statutory safety authority, while the vessel’s representatives, P&I/insurance interests, the crane operator and other parties are involved in surveys, damage assessment and arrangements for the safe removal of the affected crane.

AIS records indicate that “VIENNA” departed Luojing, China on 2 August 2026, called at Singapore on 10 August 2026 and arrived at Mumbai on 20 August 2026. The vessel remains reported at Mumbai.

There is potential for damage to the heavy-lift cargo involved in the incident, as well as other cargo and the vessel itself.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with cargo claims arising from heavy-lift operations, crane accidents, fires and other marine casualties.

If you are the insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Provision of Average Guarantees
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees (from a premium of 0.50% of the guarantee amount)
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Defence of General Average claims on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) Salvage Claims

Photography courtesy of VesselFinder