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Tag: Passenger Ferry

Collision on the Elbe

Collision on the Elbe

Övelgönne
Photo: mopo.de

On the morning of January 25, the 30 meter long passenger ferry Övelgönne (MMSI: 211151080) was in collision in poor visibility with a barge being pushed by the self-propelled container-barge Hanse (MMSI: 211760410) on the Elbe River at Hamburg, Germany.  The Övelgönne was headed to the Dockland pier with 25 passengers from Finkenwerder when it approached the Hanse which had departed from Braunschweig with a convoy of barges.  As the vessels approached the Dockland pier in dense fog, the Övelgönne was struck on the starboard hull by a lead barge.  The ferry’s hull was partially crushed above the waterline with multiple windows smashed.  Passengers were struck by flying debris and sprayed by water resulting in multiple injuries. One passenger was knock unconscious and was reported as in critical condition with a brain injury. Ten others on board were slightly injured with many suffering from hypothermia. The Övelgönne was able to berth where it was met by local authorities and emergency personnel. All the injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.

The Hanse was able to continue and proceeded to Waltershof where it berthed and met by local authorities. The water police launched an investigation into incident. Both the captains of the Övelgönne and Hanse were given a breathalyzer test which were negative. Authorities have reported that dense fog may have been a major factor in the collision. Initial investigation stated the Övelgönne was equipped with radar and it was manned with an experienced master. The investigation most likely will focus on why the radar wasn’t being monitored when visibility was limited at the time of the incident.

Isle of Innisfree

Isle of Innisfree

Isle of Innisfree
Photo: pembrokeshire-herald.com

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.

Isle of Innisfree

The ferry would undergo emergency repairs before it could proceed on its return voyage to Dublin. Authorities are investigating the incident.

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.