Ro-Ro ferry loses control, drifts towards sea in Kochi after engine failure; major disaster averted

KOCHI: A major disaster was averted after a Ro-Ro ferry lost control following an engine failure and drifted towards the sea while operating between Vypin and Fort Kochi on Tuesday. The timely intervention of a Fisheries Marine Enforcement patrol boat prevented a possible tragedy.

The incident occurred at around 6 pm when the ferry, carrying passengers from Vypin to Fort Kochi, developed an engine fault. A traveller bus, several two-wheelers and a number of passengers were on board. After losing power, the ferry went out of control and drifted nearly 300 metres. It crossed the estuary and entered the sea before it was spotted by the Marine Enforcement team on routine patrol.

The patrol boat quickly towed the ferry back to safety and brought it ashore. All passengers and vehicles on board were evacuated safely, avoiding what could have been a major accident.

Officials of KSINC inspected the ferry after it was brought ashore at Vypin and confirmed that the incident was caused by an engine failure. The service is expected to resume once the fault is repaired. Until then, only one Ro-Ro ferry will operate on the Vypin–Fort Kochi route.