Storm causes ship to crash into WA bridge

Some train services in Perth could be out for days after a cargo ship broke its moorings and drifted into the Fremantle Rail Bridge during stormy weather.

Strong winds on Sunday night caused the ship to crash into the bridge about 10.15pm, the Public Transport Authority said.

A spokesman said one of the masts that support the train line's overhead electrical power system was smashed and some of the supporting infrastructure was extensively damaged.

Trains between Fremantle and North Fremantle have been disrupted, he said.

But trains are still running in both directions between Perth and North Fremantle - the last station on the line before Fremantle - and replacement buses are operating between North Fremantle and Fremantle Station.

The disruption is likely to continue for at least a week while the damage is repaired and investigators can determine whether there is any structural damage to the bridge.

In May 2011, Fremantle train services were disrupted for two days after the rail bridge was hit by a refuelling barge.