Container Ship Hits Hooghly Riverbank Near Diamond Harbour, West Bengal

The Singapore-flagged container ship Nawata Bhum struck a riverbank near Diamond Harbour in West Bengal on August 12th after encountering difficult conditions.

No injuries were reported following the incident, although the embankment hit by the vessel sustained damage.

Nawata Bhum had departed Port Klang, Malaysia, carrying 483 containers and was bound for the Port of Kolkata. After traveling approximately 50 kilometers from the port, the vessel reportedly failed to negotiate a bend in the river near Diamond Harbour.

Strong currents and turbulent conditions in the area are believed to have contributed to the ship’s inability to complete the turn. It is also suspected that Nawata Bhum lost its steering capability after its steering gear became jammed, resulting in the vessel heading toward the riverbank.

As the collision became imminent, the ship’s master reportedly sounded the horn several times to alert people nearby and warn any ferries that could have been in the vessel’s path. Luckily, no ferries were in the way at the time, and the incident resulted in no reported injuries.

Following the collision, the pilot contacted the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) to report what had happened. SMPA pilots subsequently boarded Nawata Bhum and assisted in guiding the container ship through the navigation channel.

According to the latest reports, the vessel remained grounded following the incident. However, its hull was reportedly undamaged. Tugboats were standing by for high tide, when an attempt could be made to refloat the ship.