Cochin Shipyard's Cargo Barge Breaks Free and Washes Ashore at Bhatkal Jali Coast

Abandoned ship washes ashore at Bhatkal’s Jail Beach, triggers curiosity, traffic chaos

Bhatkal, June 17: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) A ship bearing the name “Cochin Shipyard” mysteriously washed ashore at Jail Beach in Bhatkal late on Sunday night, creating a buzz among locals and drawing hundreds of curious onlookers by Tuesday evening. The vessel, which appeared to be unmanned and without lights, was first noticed by the staff of Chai Tapri café, located close to the shoreline.

According to sources, Mohammed Talish, the manager of the café, immediately informed the local police after spotting the ship around midnight. 

Speaking to Bhatkallys.com, PSI Naveen Naik confirmed that the ship was not involved in any accident. “The ship was being towed by a streamer from Cochin to Mumbai. However, it got detached and drifted ashore. Even the people aboard the streamer didn’t realize when the detachment took place,” he explained.

Naik said the ship will be retrieved by the company responsible for its transport once they head back from Mumbai to Cochin. “An intimation has already been sent to them and they have assured us that necessary steps will be taken to tow it back,” he added.

Interestingly, PSI Naik was among the first to spot the ship while on routine night patrol. “Shortly after I noticed it, we received a call from the café staff as well,” he said.

By Tuesday afternoon, videos and images of the abandoned ship started circulating widely on social media, drawing huge crowds to the Jail Beach area. The unexpected rush led to complete traffic congestion, prompting police deployment to manage the crowd and traffic.