Munroe island: Hundreds of passengers, including school students, were left stranded after the Sambranikkodi–Kavanad, Pezhumthuruthu–Perungalam–Koyivila and the tourist boat See Ashtamudi suspended services due to mechanical issues.

The Pezhumthuruthu–Perungalam–Koyivila service has remained non-operational since Monday owing to a mechanical fault. On Tuesday, a boat from Sambranikkodi was brought to temporarily cover the route. However, during an afternoon trip from Koyivila to Perungalam, a pump malfunction occurred, forcing the boat to drop its passengers at Ashtamudi before it became stranded en route to Kollam. In a bid to salvage the situation, the See Ashtamudi tourist boat was deployed to tow the stranded vessel. Midway, its gear system also failed. Ultimately, both boats were towed to Kollam.

As news of the disruption reached Perungalam Government HSS around 2 pm, teachers urgently sought alternatives to get their students home. Attempts to arrange speedboats failed as those vessels were undergoing fitness tests. Left with no choice, the school arranged shikara boats from Munroe Island. The PTA had to shell out  ₹4,000 for the service, which costs  ₹1,000 per hour. With no clarity on service resumption, school authorities fear continued disruption to classes.

Locals to protest
Locals have alleged that the State Water Transport Department continues to run outdated vessels, ignoring concerns over the safety of passengers, including schoolchildren. Perungalam ward member T Jayaprakash said a protest would be launched by seizing the old boat if the minister’s promise to deliver a new boat by the 15th is not fulfilled. The minister had been met in person, and a letter was submitted. If the boat doesn’t arrive on time, there will be a protest, he said.