A Singapore-flagged containership, Nawata Bhum, ran aground on the Hooghly River near Diamond Harbour, approximately 50 km south of Kolkata. The incident occurred after the ship struck an embankment due to a steering failure and strong currents. According to gCaptain, the Regional Container Lines-owned vessel was inbound to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata from Port Klang in Malaysia when it experienced difficulties turning around 11 a.m. local time on August 12, 2026.
The ship's master realized the steering gear had jammed while attempting to recover from a turn and sounded its horn continuously to alert nearby people. No ferries were present at the time of impact, averting potential disasters. The vessel lodged itself close to the Nurpur ferry ghat, causing minor damage to part of the riverbank and a small road. Pilots from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority immediately reported the collision.
Tugboats successfully pulled the ship free during high tide around 22:30 local time on Wednesday. According to Marine Insight, local media reported that the hull was undamaged, allowing Nawata Bhum to proceed under tow to Kolkata. Two tug vessels remained on site as of Thursday morning.
This is not the first incident involving navigation issues in this area. In August 2023, another container ship, MTT Singapore, also ran aground near Garchumuk due to a steering malfunction. The Hooghly River, known for its sharp bends and sandbars, poses significant challenges for ships navigating the region.
Risk Factors
Navigation in the Hooghly River is fraught with challenges such as strong currents, shallow waters, and frequent turns. These factors can exacerbate issues with steering systems, making it crucial for ship operators to maintain robust safety protocols and emergency response plans.