A unique and strange phenomenon was witnessed at the Ferry Wharf on the Panjim ramp on the November 14, in the evening during the high tide.
A school of fishes, sardines ( tharlies) and ( peddies) were seen jumping out of the River Mandovi, disturbed and confused in the presence of the commuters of the Ferry and the masters and staff of the ferry boats Harvalem and Quepem.
This phenomenon has not occurred in this portion of the River Mandovi according to the master of the ferry boat. Although it is difficult to estimate the number of fishes, at least 1,500 to 2,000 different varieties of fishes were seen jumping onto the ramp, by its sides and on the gangplank of the ferries.
Fisherfolk, as well as bystanders, were seen collecting the fishes in baskets and plastic containers. Since this occurrence did not have a precedent I asked two seasoned fishermen to explain how and why this rare phenomenon occurred.
They explained saying the huge school of fishes came in a wave known as ‘andaz’ in Konkani, as the ferry was obstructing their path. They further explained that these fishes are very sensitive to sound, especially sardines, and in an attempt to save themselves from hitting onto the ferries jumped up in a haphazard manner.
