PANAJI
The Ports Administration has launched an inquiry into the fire that engulfed the passenger vessel MV K-Cat during the early hours of May 31 while it was docked at the Britona Jetty in River Mandovi.
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues said that he has directed the surveyor to conduct an official probe into the incident. “The surveyor will submit his report. The police are simultaneously conducting their investigation,” he told The Goan, adding that preliminary findings suggest a short circuit as the likely cause.
The fire broke out at around 5:30 am, but swift intervention by CoP officials and the fire personnel prevented a possible major disaster.
The Captain hailed the prompt response of Master Gilbert and his crew, whose actions were instrumental in containing the incident. “Our master reached the site with the tug boat within 13 minutes. Despite the challenges of navigating the river’s currents and tidal conditions, he and the crew managed to manoeuvre the burning vessel to the opposite bank. This allowed fire personnel to douse the flames more effectively,” he said.
Rodrigues added that the fire could not have been extinguished while the affected boat remained midstream. After the fire was brought under control, Rodrigues helped tow the charred vessel back to the Panaji side of the jetty.
