THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Twelve crew on board two trawlers swam to safety after two fishing trawlers hit a sandbar and ran aground at the mouth of the Chapora River.
The incident took place late Monday evening, when Damodar Bhosale's trawler was approaching the Chapora Jetty after a fishing trip. The trawler struck a sandbar and ran aground at some distance from the Chapora Jetty.
On being informed about the incident, Umesh Volvoikar took his trawler to the site to tow the stranded trawler, but the second trawler also got stuck in the sandbar. The 12 crew on both trawlers then jumped into the sea and swam towards the jetty.
Volvoikar's boat was towed to the jetty by late Monday night, while Bhosale's boat was still aground till Tuesday night, as efforts were underway by the boat owner and workers to remove the vessel. Both fishing boat owners have suffered a loss of about Rs 15 lakh.
Balbhim Malvankar, President of Chapora Boat Owners' Association, has requested the State government to find a permanent solution in the matter.
