Passenger Falls Overboard from Ro-Ro Ship Rescued Within 20 Minutes
Gulf of Cambay, Gujarat: In a dramatic rescue operation, a passenger who fell overboard from a Ro-Ro ferry ship was safely brought back on board within 20 minutes. The swift and coordinated effort of the ship’s crew ensured the safety of the passengers, averting what could have been a tragic incident.
LIVE footage of the incident was captured on camera and it’s available on our YouTube channel, The link to the said video is given at the bottom of this story, do not forget to visit the exclusive footage of the rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Sunday aboard the Voyage Symphony, a popular Ro-Ro ferry between Ghogha and Hazira, Gujarat. This sea route, known as one of India’s longest and most frequented ferry paths, connects the two destinations across the Gulf of Cambay.
The ferry had departed from Ghogha at its scheduled time of 8:10 a.m. and was cruising at 13.5 nautical miles per hour when the incident unfolded. At 10:22 a.m., as the ship reached a point approximately nine nautical miles south of Piram Island, a security staff member noticed a passenger falling into the sea.
The security personnel immediately alerted the ship’s in-charge officers, who relayed the information to the captain. The experienced captain wasted no time, turning the vessel 120 degrees to head back toward the spot where the passenger had fallen. He also instructed the crew to deploy the ship’s manoeuvring boat system while sounding the emergency alarm.
As the ship turned, the front ramp was opened, and the crew assembled rescue materials. They quickly located the passenger in the water and threw a life buoy tied with a rope toward him.
At 10:45 a.m., within 20 minutes of the incident, the passenger managed to grab hold of the buoy. The rescue team skillfully pulled him closer to the ship and brought him back aboard through the ramp.
The rescued passenger, Atulkumar Manaklala Chowkse, recounted the harrowing experience. According to Atulkumar, he had been walking on the deck when he was suddenly overcome by vertigo and nausea, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the sea.
“As soon as I hit the water, I realized I had fallen into the sea,” Atulkumar said. Fortunately, he had basic swimming skills and remained calm. “The Gulf of Cambay was relatively calm that day, which also helped me stay afloat until the rescue team arrived.”
He expressed immense gratitude to the crew for their quick and decisive action. “The crew’s timely response saved my life. I am truly thankful for their efforts,” he added.
The Voyage Symphony crew demonstrated exceptional coordination during the rescue. The ship, which was carrying 428 passengers, 142 scooters, 51 cars, 32 heavy trucks, and seven mini trucks at the time, prioritized the rescue operation while ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
The passenger was given primary medical attention immediately after being rescued. Fortunately, he was unharmed apart from minor shock and fatigue.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness on ferry services, especially on routes as significant as the Ghogha-Hazira sea link. The Gulf of Cambay, while generally calm, can still pose risks, emphasizing the need for adherence to safety protocols and regular training for crew members.
The Voyage Symphony, a vital lifeline for travelers and transporters in Gujarat, resumed its journey shortly after the rescue. The event serves as a testament to the professionalism of the crew and the effectiveness of safety measures in place on board.
Atulkumar’s safe recovery has drawn praise from passengers and officials alike, showcasing how quick thinking and teamwork can turn a potentially life-threatening situation into a remarkable story of survival.
