In a deeply distressing incident, a car skidded off the ferry ramp at Sarmanas, Pilgao ferry point, hurtling into the river below and tragically claiming the life of a man from Dhabdhaba, Bicholim. However, amidst the chaos, local residents exhibited extraordinary courage and managed to extricate three other occupants from the car, ultimately saving their lives.
The person who died of drowning has been identified as 29-year-old Yatin Mayekar from Dhabdhaba, Bichoilm. Yatin was going to Carambolim Railway station to drop a tourist family. While at the ferry point, Yatin lost control of the vehicle. As per eyewitness, the car remained in the water for almost over an hour. Fire & Emergency personnel were called in to carry out rescue operations.
This shocking incident has reignited concerns that have long plagued the region. Local voices echoed sentiments of distress and frustration, citing the steep slope of the ferry ramp as a recurring hazard. Reports from locals suggest that similar incidents have occurred in the past due to the slope’s challenging nature, emphasizing that when brakes fail, preventing a vehicle from plunging into the water becomes nearly impossible.
Repeated appeals and proposals to revamp the ferry ramp have been submitted by concerned residents, highlighting the urgent need for structural modifications to prevent such tragic accidents. Residents have urged the River and Navigation Minister, as well as the Chief Minister, to intervene and address the longstanding concerns surrounding the ferry ramp’s safety.
Residents emphasized the necessity to reduce the steepness of the ramp, attributing past accidents to the challenging incline. They have pointed fingers at the deteriorating condition of the ferry wharf, underscoring that the escalating traffic demands infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety of commuters using this vital transportation route.
The ferry service linking Sarmanas in Bicholim taluka to Sant Estevao in Tiswadi taluka stands as a bustling route vital for connectivity in the region. However, the recent tragedy has shed light on the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to align with the increasing demands of the traffic and ensure the safety of all commuters relying on this passage.
There is a resounding call for immediate action to revamp the ferry ramp and address the safety concerns, ensuring such tragedies do not recur in the future. Locals have urged authorities to heed their voices and take decisive steps to prevent further mishaps along this crucial transportation link.
