On January 27, the 23.4 meter long, 80 ton dhoniLeo Wing ran aground in the Indian Ocean on Ekefaru reef off Gaafu Alifu, Maldives. The Leo Wing was proceeding to Nilandhoo and Dhaandhoo with Ramadan gifts including over 1000 gunny bags of rice, flour and sugar when it ran aground the reef. The wooden/fiberglass vessel sustained hull damage and developed a port side list. Reports state all the cargo had fallen overboard and was lost. No reports of any injuries.
Photo: leotrading.mv
The owners of the Leo Wing have stated they plan to refloat the vessel.
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 October 19, the 208 meter long, 33,836 dwt container ship Spil Ningsih (IMO: 9273959) ran aground in the Indian Ocean off Ste Anne Island, Seychelles. Authorities dispatched a response team including tugs and personnel to assist in freeing the vessel. Due to the location of the grounding, there was an increase risk the Spil Ningsih would be pushed further aground parallel to the shoreline. Seychelles authorities found the boxship had not sustained any damage and there was no signs of any pollution released. Initial attempts to free the Spil Ningsih were unsuccessful, but the boxship was refloated early the next day on the rising tide. The Spil Ningsih was towed to a safe anchorage where it would undergo another inspection before it was allowed to be proceed to the Mahe, Seychelles. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
