Ship sinks off Colon after collision

A GENERAL cargo ship VMF Alita sailing under The Venezuelan flag sank off Colon, on the weekend  after an earlier collision with another  cargo vessel that was  maneuvering to anchor during strong tides and winds.

VMF Alta was anchored off the port for some time. The collision  aused a hole above the waterline and the  ship 40-45 degrees and  was in danger of capsizing

The caretaker  crew members,were able  to abandon ship  without injuries. Two tugs were sent  to assist with salvage if still possible.

Np water pollution was recorded during the accident. The cargo vessel was anchored off Panama several weeks and waiting to be scrapped, with just a few seamen on board, reports Newsmaritime.

The collision was caused by another cargo vessel, which was maneuvering to drop anchor off Colon, in strong currents and winds.

The VMF Alita, built in 1989, has an overall length of 106.60 m, a  beam of 16.10 m and maximum draft of 5.00 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 4,250 DWt and the gross tonnage is 3,790 GRT.

This is the second accident  in Panamanian waters during the last month.

In December,  the Star Pride, belonginh to  the luxury cruise line Windstar, ran aground on Coiba. In this incident, 306 passengers and crew were evacuated and the ship towed to Panama.