In the aftermath of the ferry sinking incident near Chorao Island, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar has strongly criticized the BJP-led state government, calling the episode a result of “criminal negligence” and a “total failure” in maintaining essential public infrastructure.
The incident occurred early Monday morning when the ferryboat Betim partially sank while docked at the Chorao Island ramp. Though no passengers or crew were on board at the time, preventing injury or loss of life, three motorcycles belonging to ferry staff were submerged.
A preliminary inquiry by the River Navigation Department (RND) revealed that rainwater had entered one of the vessel’s tanks, likely due to clogged drainage outlets and a lack of routine maintenance. RND Director Vikram Raje Bhosale attributed the immediate cause to the ferry’s coxswain, who failed to drain the tanks as per standard procedure.
Reacting to the incident, Patkar issued a press statement accusing the government of placing image-building and event spending above public safety. He questioned the oversight by the Captain of Ports Department and demanded an explanation for how an allegedly unfit vessel was allowed to operate without adequate safety checks.
“This is not just negligence—it’s a glaring example of the government’s misplaced priorities. While crores are spent on festivals and promotions, basic services like ferry operations are being ignored,” Patkar said.
He called for the immediate suspension of the Captain of Ports, an independent judicial probe into the incident, and a statewide audit of all operational ferries. He warned that while the incident did not result in casualties, it could have ended in tragedy, and emphasized the need for systemic reforms in ferry operations to safeguard commuters.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai has since ordered a formal inquiry and a comprehensive audit of all ferry vessels across the state. Salvage operations for the Betim ferry are underway, and services on the Chorao route continue without disruption using alternative vessels.
The Congress party has assured residents of Chorao and the larger Goan public that it will pursue justice and ensure accountability, vowing to prevent such lapses from recurring in the future.