On December 20, the 163 meter long, 4286 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Isle of Innisfree (IMO: 8908466) allided with the quay in the port of Fishguard, Wales. The Isle of Innisfree was attempting to dock when it suffered difficulties and struck the quay and tearing a hole in the port side of the stern. The hole is above the waterline and no reports of water ingress. There were no reports of injuries.
The ferry would undergo emergency repairs before it could proceed on its return voyage to Dublin. Authorities are investigating the incident.
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 November 25, the 31 meter long, 1000 dwt catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Express 5 (IMO: 9913286) allided in the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, Denmark. The Express 5, one of the largest catamaran ferries in the world, was departing from Rønne when it struck the breakwater. The ferry sustained hull damage with a long crease along its starboard hull. The Express 5 had to return to its berth and passengers were disembarked. No reports of injuries.
The Express 5 was taken to a drydock for repairs. After temporary repairs were completed on November 29, the vessel was allowed to go back into service Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
