The Miami Herald
September 1, 1999
 
 
Power line collapse halts Panama Canal traffic

 Panama City, Sep 1 --(EFE)-- Panama Canal ship traffic was brought to a
 standstill for four hours after a high-tension power cable fell into a section of the
 waterway, an official said Wednesday.

 The Maritime Operations Office stopped Guillard Cut trae fell into a section of the
 waterway, an official said Wednesday.

 The Maritime Operations Office stopped Guillard CutThe accident left power grids
 serviced by Electra Noreste and Metro Oeste without electricity for almost an
 hour, from 12:48 p.m. to 13.44 p.m. (1748 and 1844 GMT) .

 No injuries or damage was reported, but three ships were halted in Guillard Cut on
 their way to the Pacific Ocean.

 The spokesman said that of the 43 ships scheduled to use the canal Tuesday,
 only 11 were able to complete their transit prior to the incident. EFE
 

                     Copyright 1999 Miami Herald