Cargo Vessel ITT Ayzal Runs Aground on Hooghly River Near Budge Budge, Draws Huge Crowd

Cargo Vessel ITT Ayzal Runs Aground on the Hooghly River Near Budge Budge, Sparks Curiosity Among Locals

Indian Cargo Ship Veers Off Navigational Channel and Gets Stuck on the Riverbank

A large cargo vessel, ITT Ayzal, ran aground on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River near Raipur in Budge Budge, South 24 Parganas, after reportedly drifting out of the designated navigational channel. The incident, which took place on July 16, drew the attention of hundreds of local residents who gathered along the riverbank to witness the unusual sight of the massive ship stranded near the shore. According to preliminary reports, the Indian-flagged cargo vessel was on its way to Kolkata when it unexpectedly deviated from its planned route. Despite the crew's efforts to deploy the anchor and regain control, the vessel's bow became firmly lodged in the muddy riverbank, leaving it unable to continue its journey. 

No Casualties or Environmental Damage Reported.  

Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries, cargo damage, or oil pollution. All crew members remained safe, and there were no reports of hazardous materials leaking into the river. Officials from the relevant maritime and port authorities reached the site soon after the grounding and began assessing the situation.  

Challenging Conditions on the Hooghly River

The Hooghly River is widely known for its strong tidal currents, shifting sandbars, and narrow navigational channels, making it one of India's most challenging inland waterways for large vessels. Maritime experts believe these natural conditions often require precise navigation, especially for cargo ships entering or leaving the Port of Kolkata. Rescue teams are expected to refloat the vessel during a suitable high tide, likely with the assistance of tugboats. Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched to determine what caused the vessel to leave the designated shipping channel. 

About ITT Ayzal  

Built in 2013, ITT Ayzal is an Indian-flagged cargo vessel measuring 108.22 metres in length and 17 metres in beam, with a deadweight of approximately 5,670 tonnes. The ship regularly operates across the Bay of Bengal, serving routes between Kolkata, Port Blair, and Mayabunder. 

Similar Incidents on the Hooghly

 

The Hooghly River has witnessed several maritime incidents in recent years due to its demanding navigation conditions. In 2023, a Malaysian container ship ran aground near Falta after experiencing steering problems and was later successfully refloated during high tide. Earlier, in 2020, a Bangladeshi cargo vessel sank near Maheshtala following a collision with a Kolkata Port Trust vessel. 

The grounding of ITT Ayzal serves as another reminder of the navigational challenges posed by the Hooghly River. While the absence of injuries and environmental damage is reassuring, the incident highlights the importance of strict navigational protocols and continuous monitoring to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels on one of India's busiest river routes.