Cyclone Drives 32,688-DWT Bulker Aground on India’s Eastern Coast
The Sigma Pearl ran aground after losing propulsion amid 93-mph gusts as Cyclone Hamoon battered the Bay of Bengal.
A severe cyclone that struck India’s eastern coast early Wednesday has left authorities assessing the damage, including the grounding of a cargo vessel as the storm disrupted maritime and transport services.
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulker Sigma Pearl, a 32,688-deadweight-ton vessel, ran aground near the Bay of Bengal after encountering propulsion issues while attempting to depart ahead of the storm. The ship, which had recently unloaded sulfur at Visakhapatnam port, was driven ashore by high winds and rough seas. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority confirmed that all crew members were unharmed and rescue efforts were underway as the cyclone’s intensity began to wane.
Widespread Disruptions as Cyclone Hits Land
The cyclone made landfall with sustained winds reaching 78 to 84 mph and gusts up to 93 mph, forcing the suspension of operations at multiple ports along the coast. By 8:00 a.m. local time, the storm had moved fully inland, leaving behind a trail of damage in its path.
Ports in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Gangavaram issued storm warnings, halting cargo operations and instructing anchored vessels to secure. Emergency teams were dispatched to rescue workers stranded at a warehouse in Kakinada Anchorage Port, where gale-force winds and heavy swells created hazardous conditions.
Recovery Efforts Begin as Storm Subsides
The cyclone also paralyzed air and rail travel. At the international airport, 27 flights were canceled, while over 70 trains and bus services were suspended, cutting off domestic transport links across the region.
With the cyclone’s immediate threat diminishing, authorities announced plans to inspect the grounded Sigma Pearl and prepare for its salvage. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority indicated that normal operations were expected to resume by October 29, though the timeline depends on improving sea conditions.
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