Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Dec 4: A minor mishap aboard the Ribandar–Chorao ferry on Tuesday left commuters startled when the gangplank was lowered prematurely, causing a sudden jolt on the vessel. The incident occurred as the coxswain, Damodar Palyekar, reportedly lowered the steel gangplank too early while approaching the jetty. The sudden impact caused some two-wheelers and their riders to lose balance and fall inside the ferry. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Vikramsinh Rajebhosale, Director of the River Navigation Department (RND), explained that the hydraulic wench controlling the gangplank is operated from the cabin by the coxswain and requires precise handling. “The gangplank must slide on the ramp and stop carefully. Dropping it early caused the vessel to bang against the concrete ramp, making three bikes and their riders lose balance. Luckily, there were no injuries,” he said.

Rajebhosale confirmed that the incident was purely an operational error and not related to any hydraulic failure. The ferry resumed normal operations by 8.30 pm the same day. An internal inquiry into the incident has been launched.