Casualty News

NAWATA BHUM

Date
August 12, 2026

Type
Grounding / allision with riverbank

Voyage
Port Klang, Malaysia to Kolkata, India

Reports have been received that NAWATA BHUM, while en route from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, India, lost control while navigating the Hooghly River near Nurpur Ferry Ghat, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, on 12 August 2026. The vessel reportedly deviated from the navigable channel, allided with the riverbank and grounded, with her bow becoming embedded in the muddy bank.

It is understood that the vessel experienced a possible steering gear problem while negotiating a sharp bend under pilotage. Strong tidal currents and turbulent river conditions were also reported to have contributed to the incident. No official findings have yet been released as to the cause.

The vessel remained aground until approximately 2230 hrs local time, when she was refloated at high tide with the assistance of two tugs. No injuries or pollution were reported and initial reports indicated no hull damage. The vessel was subsequently towed towards Kolkata and later reported at anchor pending investigation. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has confirmed the grounding and advised that an investigation will be conducted.

The vessel’s last reported port of call before the casualty was Port Klang, Malaysia, and she was destined for Kolkata, India.

At present, no cargo damage has been reported. However, given the grounding and tug-assisted refloating, cargo damage, salvage and general average issues cannot yet be ruled out.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with claims arising from containership groundings and other marine casualties.

We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Provision of Average Guarantees
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees (from a premium of 0.50% of the guarantee amount)
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Defence of General Average claims on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims

Photography courtesy of MR.SUVENDUDAS/INSTAGRAM