Indian authorities temporarily suspend Kochi ferry service following collision

Authorities in the city of Kochi in southwestern India have ordered the temporary suspension of the city's Water Metro commuter service after one of its ferries accidentally struck a berthed vessel over the weekend.

The incident occurred at around 10:15 local time on Saturday, May 31, when a ferry operated by Indian Government-owned transport company Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) lost control and hit a berthed Ro-Ro vessel at the city's Vypin Jetty.

The ferry reportedly encountered strong undercurrents as it was manoeuvring to berth. These then caused it to drift backwards by about 20 metres and strike the stationary Ro-Ro vessel.

KMRL has since issued a statement assuring that there were no injuries and that neither of the two vessels suffered any serious damage.

The KMRL eventually berthed at the jetty with the aid of another vessel.

The operator said the Water Metro service would resume as soon as the undercurrents are deemed to be more manageable.

An internal investigation has also been launched to look into the events that resulted in the mishap.