Even as the Pamban Rail bridge authorities were planning to rebuild the 121st pier that was damaged after a barge rammed it on January 13, another barge almost crashed into the bridge as it lost control after dashing against a country boat on Tuesday.
The 72-metre-long 1,300 MT “ship like” barge on voyage from Goa to Kolkotta was proceeding on the channel to pass through the rail bridge from south side in Pamban, when it crashed into an intruding motorised Vallam near the spans of the Pamban road bridge.
In the impact, the fishing net in the boat got entangled in the propeller of the self propelled barge, deactivating one of the two engines, Pamban Port Conservator told The Hindu .
Two fishermen on the Vallam escaped after jumping into the sea.
The barge lost control, turned 30 degree sideways and almost crashed into the rail bridge, the official said.
However, the experienced Pamban port pilot assisted by the Captain of the barge, brought it under control.
The Port and Railway officials heaved a sigh of relief as it successfully passed through the rail bridge.
The captain of the vessel is likely to lodge a complaint with the Marine police on Wednesday against the fishermen for crossing the channel, sources said.
