Salvage operation underway; officials rule out fuel spill
PANAJI
A cruise boat lying idle near the Panaji jetty capsized on Thursday morning, with officials suspecting torrential rain over the past few days as the cause.
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues said the vessel, Free Spirit, toppled while awaiting ownership transfer formalities. “Prima facie, we suspect the boat capsized because of torrential rainfall. However, once the vessel is salvaged, we will know the exact cause of this incident,” he told 'The Goan'.
Rodrigues clarified there were no casualties and the vessel carried no fuel at the time of the mishap. A salvage company, appointed by the new owner, has been tasked with towing the boat to the shore. “It will be done at the owner’s cost,” Rodrigues said.
The vessel was earlier owned by Champions Yacht Club and was recently purchased by Smith Ocean. The transfer process was still underway when the mishap occurred, with the boat’s survey certificate also expired.
“The transfer of ownership procedure is underway, during which thorough checks, including trials, are conducted before issuing the survey certificate for plying. During this time, the incident occurred,” the CoP said.
The department said the boat’s condition will be examined after salvaging, before any further clearance is issued.
The south-west monsoon has been vigorous in Goa for 7-10 days. The State, however, saw no weather warning on Thursday, and this forecast is expected to continue for the next three days.
A total of 2491.4 mm of rainfall has been recorded since the onset of the monsoon, as against the normal 2520.1 mm. The deficit has reduced to 1.1 per cent, with the IMD Goa expecting it to be covered by next month.
