Technical Glitch Disrupts Ghogha-Hazira Ro-Pax Ferry Voyage: All Passengers Safe
Bhavnagar, July 9: A potential maritime mishap was averted on Tuesday evening when the Ghogha-Hazira Ro-Pax ferry service faced an unexpected technical issue shortly after departure. The incident occurred when the vessel Voyage Express departed from Ghogha Jetty at approximately 5:20 PM, carrying 245 passengers and 45 vehicles on board.
According to Captain D.K. Manral, CEO of Indigo Seaways Pvt. Ltd., the operating company of the ferry service, the ship encountered trouble just 200 meters from the jetty. A buoy anchor chain got entangled in the ferry’s propeller-rudder system while the vessel was manoeuvring within the designated turning circle. This critical snag immobilised the ship at sea during a period of strong currents, raising immediate concern for passenger safety.
Maritime personnel quickly responded to the emergency. As the ship was unable to manoeuvre independently, tugboats were deployed to tow it back to the jetty. After waiting several hours for the low tide, the ferry was successfully brought back and docked at 10:45 PM. The vessel’s bow had turned in the opposite dir
ection due to the towing operation, requiring a U-turn manoeuvre before the vehicle ramp could be deployed.
Despite the complexity of the situation, all passengers and vehicles were disembarked safely onto the pontoon with no reported injuries or damages. The professionalism of the ferry crew, tug operators, and port officials ensured that the emergency was handled efficiently and without panic.
However, the incident has highlighted certain infrastructural and safety shortcomings at the Ghogha port, particularly related to the ferry’s navigation space. According to officials familiar with port operations, the designated turning circle at Ghogha measures 150 meters in radius. However, with Voyage Express being 135 meters long and 22 meters wide, maritime experts are now advocating for an increase of at least 50 meters in the turning circle’s radius to ensure safer vessel manoeuvres.
Compounding the issue is the presence of dredged material that was meant to be disposed of 6 nautical miles away during the capital dredging phase but was instead deposited dangerously close to the turning circle area. This oversight may have contributed to the entanglement incident and presents an ongoing hazard for larger vessels like Voyage Express.
In the aftermath, Indigo Seaways has confirmed that the vessel will undergo a thorough technical survey. Expert engineers and divers will assess the propeller-rudder system and work to safely remove the entangled buoy anchor chain. Only after receiving clearance from the relevant government authorities and maritime safety regulators will the ferry be allowed to resume operations.
“This was an unfortunate but manageable incident. The safety of passengers was our top priority, and we are thankful that all individuals onboard disembarked safely and without harm,” said Captain Manral. “A full technical evaluation is being conducted, and we will not resume service until all systems are certified safe.”
Why Ghogha’s Turning Circle Needs Expansion?
The Ghogha ferry channel extends for 4,500 meters in length and is 100 meters wide, with a depth of 7 meters near the jetty. The current 150-meter turning circle is proving to be insufficient for large Ro-Pax vessels, especially under conditions of strong marine currents or mechanical failure. Sources indicate that material left behind from capital dredging operations near the turning circle may be reducing effective manoeuvring space. Port experts now recommend extending the turning circle radius by at least 50 meters to accommodate vessels the size of Voyage Express, especially when considering future expansions in the Ro-Pax fleet or passenger demand. Until structural improvements are made and navigational zones are cleared of potential obstructions, maritime authorities may consider limiting ship operations during low tide or inclement weather to prevent further incidents.
This latest incident serves as a wake-up call for both private operators and Government authorities to prioritise technical preparedness, upgrade maritime infrastructure, and adhere strictly to safety protocols. With passenger ferry services becoming a lifeline between Saurashtra and South Gujarat, ensuring their operational safety and reliability is paramount.
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