River Sal wreck: Vessel disintegrates as Govt faces scrutiny over inaction

Wreckage from the capsized vessel littered the shoreline at Mobor beach. Labourers break down the debris for easier transportation.

MARGAO
The fishing vessel that capsized on Sunday at the mouth of the River Sal after striking a sand formation has finally disintegrated into pieces. With the vessel now completely broken and its fishing nets destroyed, the total estimated loss is believed to have exceeded a staggering Rs one crore — raising a pressing question for the Fisheries Department: how many more such incidents will it take for the government to acknowledge the dangers posed by the treacherous navigation channel at the mouth of the River Sal?
Debris from the wrecked vessel has been washed ashore at Mobor beach. Labourers have been seen cutting the debris into smaller pieces on the beach for easier transportation. While the engine remains stuck in the sandbar, the incident has reopened old wounds for fishing stakeholders operating from the Cutbona fishing jetty.
This is not the first time that a tragedy has taken place at the river mouth. Nearly 25 years ago, a similar incident occurred when a fishing vessel hit the same sandbar, capsized, and disintegrated, resulting in heavy financial losses. Despite the recurring nature of these accidents, little appears to have been done to address the hazard.
Fortunately, all 27 crew members aboard the ill-fated vessel were rescued, thanks to the prompt action of local fishermen, including Pele, and the Drishti lifeguards. But while lives were saved, the complete destruction of the vessel underscores a grim reality: the mouth of the River Sal remains perilous for vessels navigating to and from the Cutbona jetty. Unless urgent corrective action is taken, the fishing community fears that it is only a matter of time before another such disaster strikes the vessels.
Vessel owner Patrick D’Silva expressed frustration over the lack of an emergency response system.
“Much time was lost in initiating rescue and salvage operations due to the absence of a proper mechanism,” he said. “Fortunately, with the help of fisherman Pele and others, we managed to rescue all 27 crew members. We planned to salvage the vessel the next day, but by Monday morning, the wooden vessel had almost completely disintegrated, and the fishing net was beyond repair,” he said.
D’Silva made a fervent plea to the government to expedite the long-pending breakwater project at the mouth of the River Sal.
“I hope this incident serves as an eye-opener and a wake-up call,” he said. “We need immediate action to remove the hurdles impeding the safe movement of fishing vessels. The vessel Aryaman has informed that a huge wave struck the boat while it was returning from a fishing trip, pushing it onto a sand formation. A breakwater is essential to ensure safe and smooth navigation.”
He added, “The government urges fishermen to invest in bigger boats under the Blue Revolution initiative — but ironically, most fish-landing centres in Goa lack basic breakwater facilities.”
Echoing D’Silva’s concerns, Velim MLA Cruz Silva condemned the lack of progress on critical maritime infrastructure.
“It is heartbreaking to witness yet another near-tragedy at the River Sal. Lives were saved today — but for how long?” he asked. “I have repeatedly demanded a training wall at the river mouth in the Goa Legislative Assembly, yet there has been no movement. My question to the Chief Minister and the Fisheries Minister is simple: how many more fishermen must risk their lives before this government acts?”
The latest incident is a stark reminder that urgent intervention is needed. Without infrastructure such as breakwaters or training walls, the fishing community at Cutbona remains at the mercy of the sea — and time is running out.
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Cavelossim Panchayat seeks national honour for rescuer
MARGAO: The Village Panchayat of Cavelossim has written to the President of India to consider honouring a Benaulim fisherman with an award in recognition of his courageous act in saving 27 fishermen at the mouth of the River Sal last Sunday.
As Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz highlighted the need to strengthen infrastructure, including logistics such as rescue gear, and to take up the long-pending training wall project at the River Sal mouth to avoid such incidents in the future, he made a fervent plea to the State government to raise the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit to Goa, to sanction rescue and interceptor boats for the coastal police.
In the letter, the Cavelossim Sarpanch said the Government of India should consider honouring fisherman Francisco Fernandes, popularly known as Pele, for his courageous act in risking his life to save the 27 fishermen.
“I thank Pele and other personnel who were involved in the rescue operation. As Sarpanch of Cavelossim village, I am extremely thankful to all of them,” Dixon said.
He also highlighted the lack of equipment, such as rescue boats and rescue gear, and requested the State government to take up the matter with Home Minister Amit Shah during his forthcoming visit to strengthen security logistics.
“It is not just about safety at sea but also a national security issue, as Goa is a tourism state. The State government should also take up the training wall as a priority to avoid such incidents in the future,” Dixon added.