The captain of the vessel M/V Hercules, which was shifted at outer anchorage after mysterious gas leak that claimed 14 lives and affected over 150 Karachiites on February 16, 2020, claimed that the Pakistani inspectors did not find any abnormality to the report.

In his protest letter sent to all international and local authorities, he lodged protest and held them responsible for any expenses, delays, losses, damage and all direct or indirect and unforeseen consequences of whatsoever nature and howsoever caused, arising out of and/or being related to the said matter.

He said that port department of Karachi Port had issued a shifting order to the vessel at outer anchorage without any reason, which he termed as unreasonable, saying that it jeopardized the safety of the crew, vessel and its cargo as vessel's stability was negative and evacuators/discharging equipment were placed on vessel's deck.

He said that governmental inspectors along with the chief officer inspected with gas detector again and did not find any abnormality to the report.

Furthermore, he threatened the authorities of extending this protest at a convenient time and place, saying that "he, on behalf of his owners, charterers and/or other cargo interests, reserves the right to extend this protest at a convenient time and place."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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