Water Metro ferry collides with RoRo vessel
Hyphen Web Desk
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A Kochi Water Metro ferry collided with a stationary roll-on/roll-off vessel at the Vypeen Jetty on Saturday morning, causing significant alarm among commuters. The incident occurred as the ferry was approaching the jetty for berthing, reportedly losing control due to unusually strong undercurrents. All passengers and crew members aboard the Water Metro ferry escaped unhurt, and no injuries were reported on the RoRo vessel.
The collision took place around 9:15 a.m., when the Water Metro ferry was navigating towards the Vypeen terminal. Eyewitnesses described the ferry veering off course and striking the side of the RoRo vessel, which was berthed at the adjacent jetty operated by the Kochi Corporation. The impact caused a loud noise and momentary panic among passengers, but swift action by the crew ensured that everyone disembarked safely.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the ferry's pilot may have encountered difficulties in maneuvering due to strong undercurrents in the backwaters, which have been intensified by ongoing monsoon conditions. The Kochi Water Metro, operated by Kochi Metro Rail Limited , has protocols in place for adverse weather, including temporary suspension of services. However, services were operational at the time of the incident.
The RoRo vessel involved in the collision is part of the Kochi Corporation's fleet, primarily used for transporting vehicles and passengers between Fort Kochi and Vypeen. The vessel has been docked at the jetty for maintenance and was unoccupied during the incident. Initial inspections indicate minor structural damage to both vessels, but a comprehensive assessment is underway to determine the full extent of the impact.
KMRL has initiated an internal inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision. A spokesperson for KMRL stated, "We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the factors that contributed to this incident. Safety of our passengers is paramount, and we will take all necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future."
The collision took place around 9:15 a.m., when the Water Metro ferry was navigating towards the Vypeen terminal. Eyewitnesses described the ferry veering off course and striking the side of the RoRo vessel, which was berthed at the adjacent jetty operated by the Kochi Corporation. The impact caused a loud noise and momentary panic among passengers, but swift action by the crew ensured that everyone disembarked safely.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the ferry's pilot may have encountered difficulties in maneuvering due to strong undercurrents in the backwaters, which have been intensified by ongoing monsoon conditions. The Kochi Water Metro, operated by Kochi Metro Rail Limited , has protocols in place for adverse weather, including temporary suspension of services. However, services were operational at the time of the incident.
The RoRo vessel involved in the collision is part of the Kochi Corporation's fleet, primarily used for transporting vehicles and passengers between Fort Kochi and Vypeen. The vessel has been docked at the jetty for maintenance and was unoccupied during the incident. Initial inspections indicate minor structural damage to both vessels, but a comprehensive assessment is underway to determine the full extent of the impact.
KMRL has initiated an internal inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision. A spokesperson for KMRL stated, "We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the factors that contributed to this incident. Safety of our passengers is paramount, and we will take all necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future."
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