Barge prevented from crashing into bridge

Timely action by port officials prevented a barge, which developed a technical malfunction, from crashing into the century old Pamban rail bridge.

The barge, on its way from Goa to Kolkata, encountered the problem as it approached the bridge, but authorities acted fast to get a tug in the vicinity to pull it back, officials said.

Port officer Mari Selvam said the vessel has now been anchored off Kuthukal and would be towed back to sea after repairs.

On January 10, a barge towing a naval ship drifted and collided with it.

The new ship bound for Karwar in Karnataka had run aground that day while being towed from Kolkata when strong winds swept the ship and barge close to shore near the bridge, which connects the island with the mainland.