Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 4: In an incident connected with the launching of a new boat at Tannirbavi here on Wednesday August 3, a trawl boat that was anchored at Kudroli sank, and another small boat suffered extensive damages. The accident occurred when the company was conducting the operation of pushing a newly built ship into the sea with the help of hydraulic jacks.

The ship in question was proposed to be allowed to float in water before conducting further works on it. Although the company was successful in pushing the ship into sea, because of huge ripples caused due to the weight of the ship, a number of boats that were moored together because of fishing holiday, collided with each other. The ripple effect was also felt at river banks at Kudroli, Bokkapatna etc.  Huge amount of debris and waste from the sea got deposited at various places on the river bank because of the impact of the operation.

It is also learnt that some fishermen were frightened about the prospect of tsunami hitting the coast, after witnessing the huge waves which suddenly rose from the sea. The jetty suffered some damages, and a small boat got split into two, some fishermen said.

The loss due to the accident is estimated at about Rs 15 lac. The boat was owned by Parvati V Bangera, Kudroli. It is gathered that a large quantity of diesel had been stored in the boat in preparation for the fishing season which is slated to begin in a few days. The fishermen said that the accident could have been averted if the fishing company officials had issued advance warning of their intention to push the ship into the sea. The boat owner proposes to approach the district administration if the fishing company, which has been intimated of the incident, fails to pay compensation for the loss suffered. The fishermen also propose to hold a protest if the situation so demands, it is gathered.