Ship “Ambuja Lakshmi” Collides with Fishing Boat ‘Mahakal’ : Crew Narrowly Escapes Tragedy
On the night of September 2, 2024, a small fishing boat named *Mahakal* had a brush with disaster when a merchant vessel collided with it off the coast of Diu Head, Gujarat. The fishing boat, with registration number IND-GJ-32-MM-869, owned by Shri Bharat Bhailal Kotiya, had embarked on its maiden fishing trip of the season on August 16, 2024, from Veraval. The boat was crewed by seven members, including the Tindel (captain).
Their journey took a dangerous turn during their return trip, when a massive merchant vessel, later identified as “Ambuja Lakshmi”, allegedly collided with the boat. The incident left the fishing crew scrambling for survival in the dead of night as their vessel was severely damaged. The vessel, “Ambuja Lakshmi”, was held for investigation after a complaint was filed, but the situation remains unclear, with concerns of justice hanging in the balance.
A Routine Fishing Trip Turns Tragic
“Mahakal” was returning to Veraval after a successful first fishing trip of the season, having spent nearly two weeks at sea. As per reports, the crew had anchored south of Diu Head on the night of September 2, 2024, around 11:30 p.m. For the crew, this was a routine stop, and everything seemed calm. The boat’s tindel and crew members were busy preparing for the next leg of their journey when the peace of the night was shattered by a sudden and unexpected impact.
At around 11:30 p.m. to midnight, “Mahakal” was struck by a merchant vessel at coordinates 20° 21’ 203 N, 70° 50’ 282 E. According to the tindel and crew members, they only noticed the faint lights of the vessel immediately after the collision, and it was too late to take evasive action. The fishing boat’s lights went out after the impact, leaving the crew in complete darkness, unable to assess the full extent of the damage.
Immediate Aftermath: Crew Members Overboard
The impact was devastating. Two crew members, stationed near the stern side of “Mahakal”, were thrown overboard, landing in the cold waters of the Arabian Sea. They were temporarily disoriented, likely having lost consciousness for a few seconds due to the impact of the collision. The Tindel, showing quick thinking and leadership in the face of danger, acted swiftly. He threw a rope to the overboard crew, pulling them back aboard and preventing what could have been a fatal outcome for the men.
However, the damage to the boat was substantial. The front part of the boat, particularly the port bow, had been badly damaged by the hit. Water was quickly pouring in through the hull, threatening to sink “Mahakal”. In a stroke of luck, another nearby fishing boat, “Divya Drashti”, was contacted through VHF channel 16, a communication line used by seafarers. The crew of “Divya Drashti” responded to the distress call and located “Mahakal”, helping to stabilize the situation and prevent further harm.
The Search for Accountability
With the immediate crisis averted, the crew turned to the matter of seeking justice for what they believed was a hit-and-run incident by a large merchant vessel. Upon reaching the shore, the boat’s owner, Bharat Bhailal Kotiya, lodged a formal complaint with the local coastal police at Navibandar, Porbandar District. The First Information Report (F.I.R.), numbered 11218005240, was filed under several sections of the law, including Section 282 (negligence with a vessel), Section 324 (causing hurt by dangerous means), and Section 173 of the Bombay Non-Ship Safety Rules (B.N.S.S.).
The focus of the investigation quickly turned to the merchant vessel “Ambuja Lakshmi”, a cement carrier owned by the Adani Group. The vessel had been seen in the vicinity of the incident, and the timing of its presence matched the events described by the crew of “Mahakal”. On the basis of the complaint, authorities took swift action, halting “Ambuja Lakshmi” at Muldwarka Port, where it remained for two days while the investigation proceeded. However, just as suddenly as it was held, the ship was allowed to sail towards Mumbai in the early morning hours, sparking concerns about whether the investigation would reach a fair conclusion.
Investigation Underway
The investigation, led by Captain Hemant Jarwal, a nautical surveyor and deputy director (technical) from Kandla Port, began in earnest on September 6, 2024. Captain Jarwal conducted a thorough inspection of the damaged fishing boat “Mahakal” and took statements from the crew members.
This shift in focus has caused significant frustration and anxiety among the crew and their families. With the merchant vessel having already left port and the investigation facing potential delays, there is growing concern that the true perpetrators of the hit-and-run may evade justice. The boat owner, Bharat Bhailal Kotiya, expressed his determination to pursue the case, despite the mounting challenges.
“Our boat was hit, two of my crew members almost drowned, and we saw the lights of the vessel that hit us. We believe it was “Ambuja Lakshmi”, and we want a proper investigation,” Kotiya said, urging authorities to stay true to their duty in protecting the lives of fishermen and holding negligent ships accountable.
A Long Road Ahead
The collision of “Mahakal” with a merchant vessel underscores the dangers faced by small fishing boats operating in busy shipping lanes. The incident is a reminder of the vulnerability of fishermen, who rely on their small, often fragile vessels to make a living in the vast and sometimes unforgiving ocean.
For the crew of “Mahakal”, the near-fatal collision on September 2, 2024, will not be easily forgotten. While they managed to survive the night, the battle for justice continues. As the investigation moves forward, all eyes are on the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry.
Whether “Ambuja Lakshmi” was indeed responsible for the collision remains to be proven, but for the fishermen of Veraval, the hope is that this case will not be another example of how the powerful escape accountability at sea.
