Seven days after the ferry named Betim, stationed at the Chorao Island ramp, partially submerged last Monday, it remains underwater. The incident has disrupted daily transportation for residents and commuters, fueling concerns over how long the vessel will stay submerged and what condition it will be in once salvaged.
Authorities have assured that normal ferry services will resume as soon as the vessel is removed and the route is cleared.
River Navigation Department (RND) Minister Subhash Phal Dessai told reporters on Saturday, "One attempt was made to salvage the boat, but it was unsuccessful. Further efforts are underway to retrieve it from the water as soon as possible. The boat will be salvaged — it will not go to waste. It will be recovered intact."
Speaking toO Heraldo, Vikramsinh N Raje Bhosale, Director of the River and Navigation Department, added, "Our efforts are underway to take the boat out of water. Today we tried but could not succeed. The boat could not be lifted. We have tied a pantoon to the ferry boat. We hope that by tomorrow it will be lifted."
In the aftermath, the opposition Congress party has sharply criticised the BJP-led State government, calling the incident a case of ‘criminal negligence’. A party spokesperson demanded the immediate dismissal of the Captain of Ports and an independent judicial inquiry.
The spokesperson alleged that the government has repeatedly failed to maintain the inland water transport system despite warnings about the deteriorating condition of ferries, accusing the administration of focusing on public relations over public safety.
The ferry partially submerged early Monday, June 23, after one of its tanks flooded. Three parked bikes also sank with the vessel but were recovered by evening.
This marks the second marine incident in Goa this month. Earlier in June, the passenger boat MV K-Cat caught fire while docked at the Britona Jetty on the Mandovi River. The fire, which broke out around 5:15 am, was quickly brought under control by the fire department and Captain of Ports officials. No passengers or crew were on board at the time.