KOCHI: A major accident was averted after around 50 passengers, including children, were rescued when a Ro-Ro ferry had an engine failure and drifted towards the sea off Fort Kochi on Tuesday evening.
At the time of the incident, the ferry was carrying nine cars, a van, around 50 motorcycles and as many passengers. The incident happened around 6 pm when Sethu Sagar 1, operated by the Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), was travelling from Fort Kochi to Vypeen. After its engine failed, the vessel lost control and drifted through the shipping channel towards the sea.
The Vypeen unit of the Fisheries Marine Enforcement Wing responded immediately. A fisheries patrol boat and personnel pursued the drifting ferry, secured it with tow lines and brought it safely towards the shore with the help of Sethu Sagar 2.
All passengers were rescued safely, preventing what could have been a major mishap.