Mumbai Collision: MV NORD LAKE Drastically Altered Route

The First Information Report (FIR) indicated that the merchant vessel MV NORD LAKE drastically altered its course too late for the INS VINDHYAGIRI to react.

Late Sunday afternoon the two ships collided near the Sunk Rock Light House, leaving the Indian warship, INS VINDHYAGIRI, severely damaged.

Officials say the MV NORD LAKE was leaving the port and realized it did not have sufficient room to pass by the inbound ship, MV SEA EAGLE, so it altered its course by more than 60 degrees.

The resulting collision punctured the hull of the warship and caused a fire onboard. The vessel was returning to the harbor after a family’s day out to sea. Also entering the port ahead of the VINDHYAGIRI was the INS GODAVARI. Both merchant vessel reportedly received permission from the GODAVARI to pass on its left side.

The captain of the NORD LAKE recognized that it did not have sufficient room to pass by the SEA EAGLE and quickly altered its course. Officials for the Indian Navy say that when the captain of the INS VINDHYAGIRI heard and saw the NORD LAKE alter its course by 60 degrees, he increased his speed to avoid the collision.

The captain of the MV NORD LAKE denies any role in the collision. At the Yellow Gate police station authorities questioned Petros Valneo for hours, but he continued to deny the accident was his error. Naval authorities claim Valneo’s misjudgments led to the collision.

Investigators are collecting communication logs and navigation data and video footage from both the NORD LAKE and the VINDHYAGIRI, and will not make any arrests until a full investigation is complete.

The VINDHYAGIRI was towed back to the dock following the collision where firefight worked through the night to put out the flames. Everyone onboard was evacuated safely and no one was injured. The ship took on water and settled on the seabed. Navy officials are assessing the damage to determine if the vessel can be salvaged.
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Pictured: INS VINDHYAGIRI