An investigation has begun after a Greek handysize destroyed a railway bridge in the Panama Canal.

No cause has yet been given for the incident involving the 37,322-dwt Bluebill (built 2004) in the Chagres river at Gamboa on Tuesday morning.

The Panama Canal Railway Co said its service to Colon would be halted.

"After doing an analysis of the damages caused, we see ourselves in the forced necessity to communicate...that the railway service will be interrupted for the next 15 calendar days," the company added in a statement.

Video footage showed a gap in the centre of the bridge.

The Panama Canal Authority confirmed the incident in a statement. Ship traffic is unaffected.

The vessel was heading from South Korea to the Atlantic. It has anchored near the scene.

Manager Navarone of Greece has been contacted for further information.

The bulker was detained for two days last August in Canada with 14 deficiencies. Grounds for detention related to rescue boats and life boats being unready for use.

It has insurance through UK P&I Club and is classed by DNV GL.