PANAJI
As the government machinery attempts to salvage the partially submerged ‘Betim’ ferry at the Chorao jetty, the Ports Administration has initiated steps to ascertain the cause of the mishap by proposing a high-level inquiry involving maritime experts.
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues told The Goan that a request has been made to the Director of River Navigation Department (RND) Vikramsinh Raje Bhosale to constitute an expert committee to examine the incident.
“I have spoken to Director RND to form an expert committee comprising a renowned naval architect, marine insurance surveyors, marine engineer surveyors and a representative from the shipyard owners association,” Rodrigues said.
“They know the structure of the vessel and the facility. They are qualified professionals appointed under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. They will examine what went wrong,” he added.
The Betim ferry had partially sunk while docked at the Chorao ramp earlier this week. Although there were no casualties, the incident sparked concern over the maintenance and safety standards of the ferry fleet.
Reiterating that his department is the designated authority under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Rodrigues defended the competence of appointed marine surveyors. “They are qualified and certified. They assess everything from seaworthiness and life-saving appliances to fire-fighting equipment and insurance before issuing certificates,” he said.
In light of the latest incident, Rodrigues said he would suggest the RND to install portable fire extinguishers on board every ferry. “Safety has to be prioritised, and we must act on any gaps that may exist,” he remarked.
Regarding the breakdown of another ferry boat mid-channel in the Cumbarjua canal, Rodrigues denied any collision between the barge and the stranded boat.
“This canal is narrow and sensitive. The ferry had a breakdown that lasted 15 minutes. A barge entered during that time, but the master saw the ferry, reduced speed, stopped and passed safely without contact,” Rodrigues said adding that their officials were monitoring the movement from the control tower and all protocols were followed.
He further explained that the Aguada sand bar remains shut during the monsoon, forcing all barge traffic through Cumbarjua — the only link between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers during the season.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai earlier blamed rains, wind and water pressure for the incident and assured that all ferry boats have valid fitness certificates.
