The River Navigation Department (RND) has found prima facie evidence of human error, as initial findings indicate negligence on the part of the ferry crew in the partial sinking of the ferry boat ‘Betim’ at the Chorao Island ramp.
Speaking toO Heraldo, RND Director Vikramsinh N. Rajebhosale stated, “The preliminary inspection report has been submitted to the government. It is now up to the authorities to take further action. However, initial findings indicate negligence on the part of the ferry crew.”
Although the salvage team has yet to submit their final bill, Rajebhosale estimates the cost of the operation at around Rs 30 lakh.
The incident occurred on June 23, when the ferry ‘Betim’ partially sank after one of its tanks flooded with water. Three motorcycles that were parked on board also went down with the vessel but were successfully retrieved later the same evening. The ferry was finally refloated on Friday, July 4, after a complex and challenging salvage effort.
Rajebhosale explained that the operation encountered several difficulties. “The pontoons initially deployed couldn’t achieve the required draft, limiting their effectiveness. A 40-ton pontoon was found inadequate, so we brought in a 50-ton capacity pontoon, which successfully completed the task,” he said.
The ferry has now been transported to a marine workshop for a full inspection and necessary repairs. Authorities expect it to be back in operation within a month.
After the incident, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) launched a gherao protest, marching towards the River Navigation Department (RND) office in Betim.
The opposition party had sought accountability claiming that the incident manifested gross negligence and systemic corruption.
The party leaders had claimed that the ferry boats are unsafe and critical safety measures, including safety buoys and firefighting equipment, are not properly deployed, endangering precious lives.