PANAJI
The partially submerged ‘Betim’ ferry boat was finally salvaged after 11 days, following an incident wherein one of its tanks reportedly filled with water.
Two private agencies, roped in by the government, assisted the River Navigation Department (RND) in the operation to recover the vessel.
RND Director Vikramsinh Raje Bhosale confirmed the salvage and stated the ferry has been shifted to the department’s Malim workshop for repairs.
“The boat has been salvaged and taken to the Malim RND workshop for repairs and restoration. It should be completed within a month, after which the ferry will return to service,” Bhosale told The Goan.
Dismissing earlier allegations of structural damage, Bhosale clarified that the ferry’s hull was found intact. “There are no bottom holes in the ferry, as was being speculated. The boat is in working condition,” he said. The cost of the salvage operation is estimated between Rs 25 to 30 lakh.
According to the RND chief, preliminary findings point to procedural lapses by the staff, which may have led to water accumulating in one of the tanks. “It appears the standard operating procedures were not followed, which allowed rainwater to enter the tank, possibly through blocked deck drainage outlets,” he said.
The incident occurred early on June 23 when the ‘Betim’ ferry, docked at the Chorao Island ramp, partially sank. Fortunately, no passengers or crew were onboard at the time. However, three motorcycles belonging to RND staff were submerged.
A high-level inquiry was ordered soon after the incident, along with an audit of all ferry vessels operated by the department.
Bhosale also said the ferry had undergone full repairs and was certified fit for operation as recently as February 2025. “It's next survey is due in February 2026,” he said, adding that the initial plan was to float the vessel using tidal movement after removing the water.
The RND will now be submitting a report to the Ports Administration for further action.
