The Singapore-flagged container ship Nawata Bhum ran aground on the Hooghly River near Diamond Harbour, approximately 50 kilometers south of Kolkata, after experiencing a steering failure while navigating a sharp bend.
The 13,852 DWT vessel, operated by Regional Container Lines (RCL), was sailing from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata when its steering system reportedly became jammed. Combined with the strong river current, the vessel was unable to complete the turn and struck the riverbank near the Nurpur ferry terminal.
According to local authorities, the captain immediately sounded the ship’s whistle continuously to warn people ashore after realizing the steering system had failed. Fortunately, no ferries were operating in the area at the time, preventing what could have become a far more serious accident.
Although no one was injured, the container ship damaged part of the riverbank and a nearby access road before coming to a stop with its bow firmly embedded in the embankment.
Port officials were notified immediately after the incident. The vessel remained aground for several hours until two tugboats successfully refloated it at approximately 22:30 local time during high tide.
Initial reports indicate that the hull was not seriously damaged, allowing the ship to continue its voyage toward Kolkata under tug assistance while further inspections are carried out.
The incident also highlights a recurring challenge on the Hooghly River, where strong currents and difficult navigation have contributed to similar accidents in the past. In August 2023, the container ship MTT Singapore also ran aground in the same river after reportedly suffering a steering failure.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the steering malfunction.
