PANAJI
The River Navigation Department (RND) has confirmed that the Panaji-Betim ferry boat, which got stuck midway on Tuesday evening, was due to both turbulent water and human error.
After a quick inquiry, senior officials decided to issue a warning to the coxswain (driver) involved, directing him not to repeat the mistake. “There was a slight operational error in addition to the high waves. The IMD Goa had already issued a weather warning for high waves, but the coxswain could have avoided the situation. Nevertheless, it was not an unintentional mistake. He has been issued a warning,” said RND Director Vikramsinh Rajebhosale, speaking to The Goan.
Other coxswains have assured the department that they will handle similar situations more professionally in the future. The ferry boat, carrying over 100 passengers, ran aground around 5 pm on Tuesday, just metres away from the wharf.
