Transporting hundreds of passengers between Goa and Mumbai was a routine voyage for MV Rohini, a 1,900 tonne passenger liner of Chowgule Steamships Limited between 1967 and 1972.
That routine voyage and the future of the ship came to a tragic end when MV Rohini, while carrying an estimated 450 passengers and crew from Panaji to Mumbai, struck the Rajkot rocks in Malvan Bay and capsized at about 3 pm on December 23, 1972.
All passengers and crew were evacuated in lifeboats and launches within hours of the incident, while local fishermen rushed towards the stricken ship in their fishing boats and assisted in the rescue of passengers and crew. The ship was lost, but not a single passenger perished in the mishap.
Forty-five years on, the incident is still fresh in the minds of those passengers travelling on that ill-fated journey, as well as those who witnessed the incident from Malvan's coast.
Among them are two Goans who witnessed the incident from two different locations, a passenger on the ship and the other who was on shore.
One passenger on MV Rohini was Rei Fernandes (69), a retired geologist who traces his roots to Panaji and was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), before settling down in Portugal.
"After completing my university studies, I set out in December 1972 on an adventure to India, my first trip out of Africa, little knowing what was in store for me," recalls Fernandes.
"The plan was to tour India for about two months, which included visits to Goa and Bombay. Although I had an air-ticket to return to Bombay, I wanted to experience travel by boat, something my mother often mentioned. I booked a trip on MV Rohini on December 23, 1972."
As the few cabins had already been taken, Fernandes settled down in deck class enjoying the scenery of the Konkan coastline on a bright sunny and calm day.
"We stopped at Malvan some distance from the shore whilst little boats ferried passengers to and fro, as was the custom. Shortly after weighing anchor at about 3 pm, there was a loud noise as the ship hit the rocks. Everybody knew that something serious had happened as the Rohini listed towards port."
"The crew handed out life-jackets as some people showed signs of panic. We were quite close to land, so I did not perceive any real danger but many other passengers did, asking me with anguished faces if they would be safe."
Fernandes said he tried to reassure them saying that all would be well as they were close to shore and that, many fishing boats were already near the stricken ship to rescue them even before lifeboats had been deployed.
"With camera in hand, I recorded some scenes. The gangway ladder was lowered, supported by heavy metal chains. Passengers slowly made their way down to the fisherman's rescue boats and lifeboats. From the safety of the fishing boat, I witnessed locals assisting, amongst others, an elderly man with a walking stick and a father with child in hand, making their way down the ladder," said Fernandes.
"There was no rush or alarm as this ship seemed to be grounded for some time in quite a stable position. Fortunately, all passengers disembarked safely and were taken ashore," he added.
Travelling light, Fernandes was able to take his luggage with him when leaving the ship.
"Sadly, not all passengers were as fortunate as their luggage was left behind, some in the heavy luggage hold, although some items were subsequently salvaged."
"That evening, I journeyed on the all-night bus to Bombay where I spent Christmas with family. As Christmas approaches once again, I appreciate my good fortune and the Lord's protection on that fateful Saturday afternoon 45 years ago," says Fernandes.
On the other side of the Rajkot rocks in Malvan lives John Noronha (59), now a social activist and owner of fishing trawlers.
"Being a half-day at school on Saturday afternoon, my friends and I were busy playing cricket at a playground near the Malvan seashore, when we heard a sudden bang at about 3 pm and a screeching sound towards the rocky side of Chiwala beach," said Noronha."We saw locals, including fishermen, rushing towards the rocky side of Chiwala beach. We saw a huge boat climbing on the rocks. We were shocked by the unusual incident," Noronha added.
John said the ill-fated ship was heading from Goa to Mumbai and had a pickup point at the Malvan Jetty.
"After taking onboard Mumbai-bound passengers from Malvan, the ship was heading for Mumbai, when it ended up hitting the rocks."
"Jumping from rock to rock, my schoolmates and I rushed to the site of the accident. Within no time, locals had rushed to the aid of the ill-fated Rohini and were helping the crew in evacuating passengers."
"The ship's captain must have been so concerned about the lives of passengers that he did not allow them to take their luggage and belongings, as time was running out. The incident occurred 45 years ago, but it's still fresh in my mind," Noronha added.
Noronha added that the rescued passengers from Goa were later shifted to a dharmasala at the Malvan Jetty and were provided with some food and refreshments.
"I cannot forget the initial fear and subsequent relief on the faces of the rescued passengers. They were happy as their lives were saved, but a little sad at the same time, as many had lost their belongings that went to the bottom of the Arabian sea," said Noronha.
(With inputs from Louis Rodrigues)
