Snag-hit merchant vessel stranded near Pamban bridge

It is said that at 12. 30 pm two merchant vessels had approached Pamban bridge and it was lifted for their onward journey. The first merchant vessel came from Mumbai and was en route Kolkata and the second vessel was from Rathinagiri in Maharashtra and it was en route Visakhapatnam. 

When the first vessel, 45 metres long, went near the bridge it stopped all of a sudden. When checked, it was found out that the main engine had stopped functioning. 

Immediately, officials at Pamban harbour were informed and their advice was sought to operate the vessel with the help of an alternate engine. However, the officials rejected the idea as the water current was high and sea was rough. 

The vessel was therefore stationed at the southern part of the sea and repair works were undertaken. The second vessel was then allowed to pass via Pamban bridge. A large number of tourists enjoyed the scene of the boats passing under the bridge from the Pamban road bridge. 

Pamban railway bridge has the facility to be lifted to facilitate easy movement of merchant vessels and commercial ships to cut down on the time taken during sea travel. Vessels are permitted to pass when trains do not run on the bridge. Also, only empty vessels are allowed to pass by the bridge and loaded vessels are asked to take a detour around Sri Lanka.