Campbell Bay: A major mishap was narrowly averted at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar late on Wednesday night when a heavily loaded commercial transport truck plunged into the sea from the main jetty during cargo operations. While the truck sank into the deep waters within moments, the driver had a miraculous escape after managing to climb out of the submerged cabin and was rescued by emergency responders.
According to reports, the accident occurred during night-time cargo handling operations at the Campbell Bay jetty, the principal maritime lifeline of Great Nicobar that handles inter-island passenger and cargo vessels, including Nalanda and Sindhu. Eyewitnesses account said, the truck was being manoeuvred close to the edge of the wharf when the driver apparently lost control, possibly due to poor visibility or a mechanical failure. The vehicle veered off the unbarricaded edge of the jetty and plunged into the sea.
Harbour workers and bystanders immediately raised an alarm, triggering a swift response from the local Police, marine security personnel and port authorities. Search and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched an emergency operation.
The truck, however, sank completely beneath the water. As it went down, tarpaulin-covered cargo became detached and drifted across the harbour towards the Coast Guard vessel moorings on the opposite side of the jetty. Local fishermen, including resident Sitaram, joined hands with personnel of the Indian Coast Guard, who deployed a Gemini inflatable craft to retrieve the floating cargo before it could be lost at sea.
The submerged tipper truck remained underwater at the jetty till late Wednesday night, posing a challenge for port operations. Authorities are expected to launch salvage operations to recover the vehicle. The incident has also raised serious concerns over safety arrangements at the Campbell Bay jetty, particularly the absence of protective barricades or adequate edge safeguards during night-time cargo handling.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to the accident, including the condition of the jetty, visibility, vehicle handling procedures and other possible contributing factors.
The mishap has once again underscored the need for enhanced safety measures at one of Great Nicobar’s most critical maritime infrastructure facilities to prevent similar accidents in the future.
