Cargo Ship Saltwind Explorer grounded & refloated with experienced, brave & timely assistance from Pilot Officer; Captain Joshi

BHAVNAGAR : In a dramatic turn of events, the cargo ship Saltwind Explorer, bearing IMO No. 9483243, faced a serious incident at the Bhavnagar anchorage point when both its anchors broke off amid powerful sea currents. The vessel, had arrived at Bhavnagar Port on October 3, 2024, with a load of 55,000 metric tons of coal, grounded North of anchorage zone, sparking a major rescue and recovery operation, (then successfully rescued by Pilot Officer Captain Joshi). The area is infamous for sticky mud (Marsh), which makes impossible to refloat aground vessel.

According to reports, the ship was in the process of unloading cargo of coal when one first of her anchor cable broke off under the immense strain caused by the strong sea currents in the vicinity.

Bhavnagar’s waters are known to have the second-strongest sea current in the world, making it a challenging environment for maritime operations.

The ship’s captain and crew had little time to react before the situation escalated. After the first anchor broke, vessel grounded in the anchorage area & second anchor was swiftly deployed in an attempt to stabilize the vessel. However, within minutes, the second anchor was also lost, breaking off as the ship was drifted North by the forceful currents.

As the vessel drifted dangerously, it moved Northward from the anchorage point and towards the side of the channel leading to Bhavnagar port. 

Unable to regain control, the ship eventually grounded, capsizing in shallow waters away from the original anchorage zone. 

Fortunately, no crew members were reported injured in the incident, but the situation left the vessel stranded and partially submerged, prompting immediate action from the Pilot Officer; Captain Joshi. 

In response to the unfolding emergency, the Marine Pilot, (Captain Joshi), boarded the vessel & refloated the vessel Explorer in early morning tide and towed her to safe and deep waters of the Gulf Of Cambay. 03 Tugboats were employed in rescue operations.

The challenging sea conditions at Bhavnagar anchorage, compounded by the strong current, add complexity to the task, making it crucial to conduct the rescue operation with precision and caution. 

The reports also, shows that vessel’s steering system had failed & steering was stuck to starboard, (right side), making it very difficult to manoeuvre the ship to safe havens.

The Pilot Officer (Capt. Joshi), worked against the clock to prevent any further damage to the vessel or the environment. Given the ship’s current position, there were concerns about potential damage to the ship’s hull and structure due to the grounding. Additionally, the large load of coal on board posed an environmental risk if any fuel or cargo were to spill into the sea. However, as of now, there have been no reports of leaks or contamination, and efforts to secure the vessel were made successful with the help of tugs & Captain Joshi’s swift avtions & immediate assistant to refloat the disabled vessel.

Now the Saltwind Explorer is safely anchored near Alang awaiting further instructions.