On February 19, the fishing vessel Raviprakash caught fire on the Arabian Sea at its berth in Baputhota Harbour, India. Bystanders noticed the fire and alerted the local fire brigade who quickly responded to the scene. Fire fighters attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the fire had already consumed the fishing vessel. Fortunately, the fire was not able to spread to the 30 other vessels docked nearby. No reports of injuries. The cause of the fire was not disclosed.
Photo: daijworld.com
Photo: mangaloretoday.com
Photo: daijworld.com
The Raviprakash and the fishing equipment on board was estimated to be a total loss of 1.5 million Rupees.
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.
On September 15, the fishing vessel INDAPV5MM 495 caught fire in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam, India. The fire started from a mechanical fault and quickly engulfed the vessel. The five crew on board were forced to abandon ship into the sea. The vessel INDAPV5MM 894 was nearby and was able to rescue all five crew. No reports of injuries and all the crew was taken to shore safely. Reports state the fishing vessel was a total loss.
