Collision - Shipwreck Log

Neel Kamal

December 22, 2024 Paul Hancock

On December 18, the passenger ferry Neel Kamal collided with an Indian Navy speedboat in the Indian Ocean off Mumbai, India. The Neel Kamal was taking some 111 passengers on a sightseeing trip to the Elephanta Caves, an island home to an UNESCO World Heritage site when it was rammed by the speedboat. The passenger ferry’s hull was holed and the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The vessel would roll over onto its side as it sank.

Authorities were able to launch a search and rescue operation immediately after the collision. Multiple helicopters along with 15 naval, police and coast guard vessels assisted in rescuing survivors from the incident. Authorities were aided by several private boats along with the harbor pilot boat Poorva which was able to rescue 25 from the sea.

Authorities report that 111 people were rescued with 4 sustaining critical injuries. Officials stated that 2 passengers were still reported as missing and 13 people perished from the incident.

A passenger captured the incident on video showing the speedboat making high speed zigzags before it struck the Neel Kamal. The Indian Navy has stated the speedboat had suffered engine failure and lost control. Authorities have stated the Neel Kamal was overloaded with passengers than it was rated for just 84 passengers and 6 crew. The incident is under investigation.

Geungwang

December 14, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the morning of December 9, the 29 tonne fishing vessel Geungwang collided with a 456 tonne barge in the Sea of Japan six kilometers off the coast of Gyeongju, South Korea. The Geungwang capsized after the collision trapping the eight crew on board. The Korea Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched 15 vessels and 6 helicopters to conduct a search and rescue operation. Divers were deployed and found seven persons inside the overturned fishing vessel. They would be recovered and taken to hospital where they were pronounced deceased. One member of the Geungwang crew is still reported as missing. Reports state there were no injures among the 10 crew onboard the barge. No further details reported.

Maassluis Collision

December 7, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of December 5, the 106 meter long, 3850 tonnes self-propelled container-barge River Drone 5 (MMSI: 205565590) collided with the 155 meter long, 13101 dwt container ship Containerships VIII (IMO: 9336244) on the Scheur River near Rotterdam at Maassluis, Netherlands. Reports state witnesses heard a loud bang as the two vessel struck and 4 empty containers fell overboard into the water and washed up on the riverbank. There were no details to know which vessel lost the containers. The salvage vessel Hebo Cat 7 was able to recover the lost containers from the river and along the bank.

Both the River Drone 5 and Containerships VIII remained afloat after the incident. No details were released on the extent of damage, or if there were any injuries or pollution released. Reports do state the River Drone 5 did have the bridge manned with a qualified captain at the time of the incident.