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Tag: Indian Navy

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal
Photo: uk.news.yahoo.com

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.

MSC Daniela

MSC Daniela

MSC Daniela
Photo: Sri Lanka Air Force

The 366 meter long, 162,867 dwt container ship MSC Daniela caught fire in the Indian Ocean 120 miles off Colombo, Sri Lanka. The MSC Daniela was en route to Suez Canal from Singapore when a fire started in one of the containers in the aft section. The fire quickly grew and engulfed more containers.  Unable to contain the blaze, the vessel changed course and proceeded to an anchorage off Colombo.

Four vessels from the Sri Lanka Navy and 2 vessels from the Indian Navy were dispatched to the scene to assist. Tugs from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority also assisted in firefighting efforts. The Sri Lankan Air Force also dispatched a helicopter with a bambi bucket to assist.

No reports of injuries. Early reports from April 5 state the fire continues to burn.

Update 1

The fire was brought under control at approximately 0630 hrs local time on Wednesday 5th April.

MSC is currently in discussion with the local authorities to berth the vessel at the appropriate time.   Once the ship is considered safe, an investigation into the cause of the fire will be formally initiated.

The extent of the damage and cargo losses will not be known until the vessel has safely berthed and has undergone a thorough inspection.

 

 

INS Sindhughosh

INS Sindhughosh

INS Sindhughosh
Photo: wikipedia

On the night of February 19, the 238 foot long Indian Navy Submarine Sindhughosh collided with a fishing boat off the coast of Mumbai, India. The INS Sindhughosh was involved in an exercise where the submarine was submerged in pitch black conditions.  With its periscope up, the INS Sindhughosh was struck by a passing fishing vessel. No reports of injuries. The periscope sustained slight damage and the INS Sindhughosh returned to Mumbai for repairs.  No details reported on damage to the fishing vessel.