What caused the Singapore-flagged ship to crash in West Bengal?

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The Singapore-flagged container ship Nawata Bhum crashed in West Bengal due to a combination of factors including an inability to navigate a river bend, strong currents, and a suspected steering malfunction.

The Singapore-flagged container ship, Nawata Bhum, collided with a riverbank in West Bengal, India, on Wednesday morning near Diamond Harbour. The incident occurred around 11 am local time on the River Hooghly, approximately 50km south of Kolkata. There were no reported injuries resulting from the crash.
Failure to Negotiate a River Bend

The primary cause cited for the incident was the vessel's failure to successfully navigate a sharp bend in the River Hooghly. Vessel-tracking data indicated that the Nawata Bhum was unable to recover from the turn after travelling a significant distance from the port. The River Hooghly is known for its challenging navigational features, including its pronounced bends and the presence of sandbars.
Contributing Factors: Currents and Steering Malfunction

In addition to the difficulty with the bend, strong currents in the River Hooghly are believed to have contributed to the crash. A suspected steering malfunction has also been identified as a significant factor. Local officials noted that steering gears can sometimes become stuck, particularly when a ship is attempting to correct its course after a turn. The captain reportedly realised the steering had jammed and alerted nearby vessels by sounding the ship's horn.
Immediate Aftermath and Recovery Efforts

Following the crash, the ship's pilot promptly contacted the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority to report the incident. MarineTraffic data and local reports confirm that tugboats were dispatched to the location. Recovery operations are pending the next high tide, when efforts will be made to tow the container ship away from the riverbank. The Nawata Bhum had departed Port Klang, Malaysia, on August 3 and was en route to Kolkata’s Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.

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What caused the Singapore-flagged ship to crash in West Bengal?

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