Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 23: A mild scare unfolded at Chorao Island on Monday morning after the ferryboat Betim, docked at the island ramp, was found partially submerged due to flooding in one of its tanks.

Preliminary investigations by the River Navigation Department point to poor drainage of rainwater as the likely cause. Officials believe that water may have accumulated inside the tank due to a failure in clearing the drainage system.

Vikram Raje Bhosale, director of the River Navigation Department, stated that the ferry’s coxswain was at fault for not checking and draining the tanks in time. “The responsibility lies with the coxswain, who failed to check and drain the tanks,” he said.

The fire brigade promptly responded to the incident and deployed large pumps to remove the water. “Once the water is removed, the ferry should float back to normal. The hull remains undamaged and in working condition,” Bhosale.

He further added that the ferry will be salvaged without much difficulty and confirmed there was no structural damage.