Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 24: The Goa government has ordered a comprehensive audit of its passenger ferries after a berthed vessel sank late Monday night due to water filling one of its buoyancy tanks. The ferry, docked at the time, reportedly listed to one side before going under, though no injuries were reported.

The state operates a fleet of 38 ferry boats, mainly used to connect riverine islands and villages lacking bridge access. While breakdowns are frequent, ferry sinkings are extremely rare, officials said.

State River navigation minister Subhash Phal Dessai stressed the urgency of ensuring passenger safety. “We cannot take people’s lives for granted. Fitness audits will be conducted for all ferries, and those found unfit will be discarded. We’re also looking to replace the older fleet once RO-RO ferries are introduced,” he said.

The minister added that preliminary checks suggest clogged vents might have allowed water to accumulate on the deck, causing the vessel to sink.

Following the incident, ferry services on several routes were suspended on Tuesday due to heavy rain and high tides, which submerged landing ramps and prevented safe docking. The disruption caused long delays for daily commuters and residents of island villages who rely entirely on ferries for access to the mainland.