the goan I network
MARGAO
While six crew members managed to catch hold of the ill-fated canoe and later swam ashore, 55-year-old Joao Xavier Rodrigues, a resident of Benaulim has gone missing. A search operation by the Coast Guard, Coastal police and the Colva police is underway to trace the
missing fisherman.
Colva Police station in-charge, PI Satish Gawde informed that the incident must have occurred around 2.30 am on Thursday as the Colva police were intimated of the incident at around 3 am.
He said the Coast Guard helicopter and divers were requisitioned to trace the missing fisherman, but in vain. “The coastal police vessel was also pressed into service in the sea,” he said, adding that a watch is being maintained along the coast by the authorities.
Owner of the ill-fated canoe Cassian Fernandes said the seven-member crew ventured out in the sea with the rampon (traditional fishing gear) in the wee hours of Thursday. He said the incident occurred shortly when the vessel had ventured in the sea when it suddenly capsized. “We all caught hold of the ill-fated canoe, but Joao Xavier went missing. I tried my best to trace him, but could not succeed,” he said.
A coast guard patrol boat was patrolling the water even till evening and was expected to return to the spot late in
the night.
