Three cranes deployed to free Rhino cruise ship lodged at Narayani Bridge

A retrieval operation involving three heavy cranes is ongoing to detach the Rhino cruise ship from the Narayani Bridge. The craft was carried downstream on Sunday evening after high flood levels in the Narayani River overwhelmed its docking point situated near Hotel River Crown. According to the operating company, the vessel had been moored to trees with two 20-millimetre ropes. Intense river currents snapped the cables, sending the vessel towards the bridge structure where it ended up trapped against a pillar situated on the Gaindakot side. The 100-foot-long and 25-foot-wide vessel was relocated upstream from the bridge eighteen months ago. Representing Nepal's inaugural cruise venture, the craft holds space for up to 180 travellers and was constructed at a cost of roughly NPR 150 million [15 crore]. Weighing upwards of 70 tonnes, the vessel exerts reduced pressure while remaining buoyant, company representatives noted. Teams working at the scene are currently operating the cranes to navigate the structure clear of the bridge and tow it safely towards Gaindakot.