India, July 7 -- An unmanned Nicaragua-flagged merchant tanker, MT Al Jafzia, ran aground near Manori on Sunday after its anchor chain snapped amid rough sea conditions, triggering a maritime alert as two other seized vessels also drifted closer to Mumbai's coastline due to strong winds and heavy monsoon weather.

The Indian Coast Guard has requested the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to deploy the emergency towing vessel Water Lily to refloat the stranded tanker and prevent any further drift. Officials said another vessel, MT Stellar Ruby, has also been dragged towards the shore by rough seas, while all three vessels remain under constant surveillance.

Inspector General (West) Bhisham Sharma of the Indian Coast Gu...