MMA representatives in Karachi finding it difficult to interview pilot

Representatives of the Malta Maritime Authority gathering evidence in Karachi in connection with the grounding of the Maltese flagged tanker Tasman Spirit in the channel of Karachi harbour, have so far failed to interview the pilot on the incident on July 27, Lloyd's List reported yesterday.

Lloyd's List said the ship's operator, Greek company Polymbros, was quick to pin responsibility for the grounding on the pilot. The accident has caused Pakistan's worst tanker spill.

Lloyd's said it had also been reported that the pilot was suspended pending an official inquiry, but this had not been confirmed.

The Lloyd's List report added that at the same time the MMA was unable to get a statement from the Karachi port harbour master although it was understood that the Maltese team had spoken informally with him.

Investigations are being headed by the executive director of the MMA's merchant ships directorate, Lino Vassallo.

Mr Vassallo was quoted saying that investigators had asked to see the pilot but were told that he was "sick".

The flag executive drew no other conclusions from the delay in access to potential key witnesses, but emphasised that evidence from the pilot and harbour master were "two very important elements in our investigations," Lloyd's reported.

Also high among the MMA's priorities was talking to the master of a tanker immediately ahead of the Tasman Spirit.

Mr Vassallo was reported saying that Malta had offered to conduct a joint investigation with Pakistan but the Pakistani authorities opted for separate probes although they pledged cooperation and sharing of documents.

Lloyd's also quoted Mr Vassallo saying that the Tasman Spirit's was an unfortunate accident.

"The ship was in very good condition. She broke up because more than 15 days of battering from the tides and other factors took their toll," Mr Vassallo said.