A ferry service connecting Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka experienced a delay of over four hours due to an engine failure shortly after departure. The ferry, operated by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), commenced its inaugural commercial voyage on January 14th, 2024, after a hiatus of over four decades.
The incident occurred around 8:30 AM on January 16th, approximately 25 nautical miles off the Nagapattinam coast. Initial reports indicated a problem with the main engine. The vessel immediately slowed down and remained afloat while engineers worked to diagnose and rectify the issue.
There were 120 passengers and crew members on board. All passengers were reported to be safe and provided with necessary assistance. The ship’s captain informed authorities about the breakdown and requested assistance. Coast Guard vessels were dispatched to the location as a precautionary measure.
After over four hours, engineers successfully repaired the engine, and the ferry resumed its journey towards Kankesanthurai. The vessel eventually reached its destination, experiencing a total delay of approximately four hours and forty minutes.
SCI officials stated that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and prevent similar incidents in the future. This inaugural ferry service is significant as it aims to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka. The service operates twice weekly, with a capacity to carry 150 passengers and cargo. The resumption of this ferry service is a part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka and enhance connectivity in the region. The incident has raised questions about maintenance protocols and the preparedness for unforeseen technical issues on this newly launched service.
