The general cargo ship VFM Alita sank last week in Caribbean waters off Colon, Panama after colliding with another vessel, which caused hole above the waterline and water ingress. At the time of the incident, VFM Alita was at anchor on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, awaiting scrapping. No injured people and water pollution were reported.
The Panama Maritime Authority informed about the accident and started investigating the causes of sinking of the Panamanian-flagged ship. It sustained significant damage to its hull which caused it to take on water and sink. At the time of the accident, Alita was not carrying any cargo. The ship continued to get water ingress and partially sank; authorities dispatched two tug to assist with salvage .
The ship , owned by Venezuela Feeder Maritime, has been anchored off Columbus since 2014 waiting to be sold for scrap.
