Timely action by a port officer averted damage to the century-old Pamban Rail bridge in the sea off here after a country boat collided with a barge while it was about to cross the bridge, officials said today.
The 72-metre long 1,300 tonne barge almost dashed against the cantilever bridge under the impact of the collision but the Pamban Port Pilot Officer deftly guided its captain to steer the vessel to safety last evening, they said.
If the barge had hit the bridge it would have suffered extensive damage, officials said. The British era bridge was damaged only in January last when a tug rammed into it after drifting in rough weather. The mishap then had affected rail traffic between this holy island and mainland.
Two occupants of the boat, which cut into the path of the barge, managed to jump to safety but their vessel broke and sank, Rameswaram Port Officer-in-charge John said.
Some broken pieces of the boat owned by one Arulanandham hit the propeller of the barge, 'Jaistha Raj, on its way to Kolkata from Goa, damaging it in the process, he said.
On a complaint from Barge Captain Sudharshan seeking compensation from the country boat owner for repairing the propeller, Coastal Marine Police have detained Arulanandham and were investigating.
The Captain charged the country boat occupants deliberately tried to overtake the barge though it was clearly visible that the barge and another ship were crossing the bridge.
Incidentally, a relative of Arulanandham had died after his boat collided with a Coast Guard ship.
