VASCO
Eight crew members were rescued after a partially loaded barge ‘Rio Martina 3’ sank in the sea at the outer anchorage of the Mormugao Port Authority on Monday evening.
The barge was being loaded with cargo from a ship but faced issues due to strong winds.
Sources said all eight crew on board the ill-fated barge were saved by other barges in the vicinity.
“The barge was alongside the ship but had to be detached due to rough weather and strong currents. The barge which was half-loaded was moving away from the ship in rough seas when a huge wave hit the barge from behind and water entered the cabin,” said a source.
“By the time, the barge was trying to gain control, another huge wave hit the barge and the water entered the engine room. The barge was facing issues due to strong winds and heavy currents. The barge with sea water inside it could have developed engine problems that led to its sinking. The crew have been saved but the barge with cargo has sunk in the sea,” the source added.
