As barge wreck poses navigation risk, MPA to seek channel survey

Panaji: With a cargo-laden barge lying at the bottom of the River Zuari near Goa Shipyard Limited, while the channel is actively used by vessels, Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) intends to conduct an underwater survey of the area.

MPA officials believe that a survey is necessary to identify the risk posed to other vessels and to aid in the removal of the wreck.Port officials are in touch with the owner of the barge (Sal – PNJ 556) to discuss the salvage plan. The barge, carrying 100 tonnes of iron ore pellets, sank after it struck a wreck on Aug 25. Eight crew members who were on board at the time of the incident escaped and were rescued by nearby fishing vessels.While a formal investigation has yet to be initiated, port officials are looking into the circumstances that led to the accident. “The waters right up to the Zuari bridge are MPA’s jurisdiction. There are discussions for a survey of the barge and the wreck,” said an MPA official.The barge was contracted by Mandovi River Pellets at Shiroda to transport iron ore pellets. The collision ruptured the barge’s hull, causing it to rapidly take in water and sink. Attempts were made by the barge owner to deploy a floating crane for salvage, but they proved unsuccessful.Last week, Goa’s Captain of Ports, Octavio Rodrigues, warned about the risks faced by barges while navigating in Goa’s waters.