Indian fiber fishing boat with 5 fishermen was allegedly, hit by passing merchant ship off Kochi, southwest India, at around 0030 LT Jul 8, in rough weather with heavy rain and strong wind. 2 fishermen were injured, boat remained afloat and under way, and safely reached its’ base. Merchant ship was identified as Thai bulk carrier MAYUREE NAREE, en route from Kandla to Paradip port, Bay of Bengal.
Indian officials and media described contact as “collision”, fishing boat being “hit” by giant in comparison, merchant ship, in stern area. It’s a pure fantasy. This fiberglass boat is slightly bigger than bulk carrier’s life boat, if it’s hit by bulk carrier under way, it will be sunk by not collision, but mere contact, right there and now. Most probably, there wasn’t even contact, injured fishermen were said to be thrown into water – not by collision, but just by a wave jolt. They didn’t see ship coming – staying in belief, that it was ship’s problem to somehow, detect the tiny bucket, and give it a wide berth. No doubt owner, Precious Shipping, will be heavily fined. Hopefully, Captain and officer on watch won’t be arrested and prosecuted.
Why coastal authorities don’t – ever, anywhere globally – blame their own fishermen for their total lack of responsibility and maritime skills? That is, presuming that those fishermen didn’t concoct the whole story, in order to get compensation, probably, with some kind of authorities collusion. Everybody in modern times likes to rob merchant marine, and Indian media already published an article or two on staged “disasters” and fake “hit&run”.
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