Kolkata, August 13: A container ship collided with the riverbank of the Hooghly River near Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, on Wednesday due to strong currents and a possible steering gear failure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but local residents were alarmed as the incident occurred near a ferry terminal. The collision also caused damage to the riverbank.
The MV Navata Bhoom, flagged in Singapore, was transporting containers from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Kolkata. Officials stated that the 147.82-meter-long vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of 13,852 tons, lost control after navigating a bend in the river, approximately 50 kilometers south of Kolkata, and crashed into the shore.
An official confirmed that the ship struck the riverbank near the Noorpur ferry terminal. Upon discovering the steering gear had jammed, the ship’s master alerted people on the shore by sounding the horn continuously. Thankfully, there were no ferries nearby at the time, which could have resulted in a tragic accident.
The Hooghly River is known for its sharp bends and sandbanks. Ships coming from the sea must carefully follow the navigation channel to avoid getting stuck. An official noted that steering gear can occasionally jam, especially when a vessel is trying to straighten out after turning. This is particularly common with single-screw ships, and strong currents may have contributed to the incident.
Immediately after the collision, the pilot on board contacted the Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port Authority (SMPA). SMPA pilots assist all vessels navigating the river, ensuring they pass safely through the navigation channel.
Sources indicated that tugs have been dispatched to the site, and the container ship will await the next tide for extraction. The main structure of the vessel remains intact, and it can safely reach Kolkata with the help of tugs.
Similar accidents have occurred in the past near Geonkhali in East Midnapore district.
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