The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) is preparing to carry out an underwater survey in the Zuari River after a cargo-laden barge sank near Goa Shipyard Limited, posing potential risks to vessel movement through the busy channel.
The barge, Sal – PNJ 556, carrying nearly 100 tonnes of iron ore pellets, sank on August 25 after colliding with a submerged wreck. Its hull was ruptured on impact, causing it to take in water rapidly and sink. All eight crew members on board managed to escape and were rescued by nearby fishing boats.
Port officials are in touch with the vessel’s owner to finalise a salvage plan. An initial attempt to lift the wreck using a floating crane proved unsuccessful. “The waters right up to the Zuari bridge are under MPA’s jurisdiction. There are discussions for a survey of the barge and the wreck,” an MPA official said, adding that the study will help assess navigational hazards and guide salvage efforts.
The barge was contracted by Mandovi River Pellets, Shiroda, for transporting iron ore pellets. While a formal investigation into the incident has not yet been initiated, MPA is examining the circumstances that led to the accident.
Highlighting safety concerns, Goa’s Captain of Ports, Octavio Rodrigues, recently warned of the dangers faced by barges operating in Goan waters, particularly in channels with hidden wrecks and shallow patches.
With the Zuari River serving as a key route for vessel traffic, MPA officials emphasised that timely removal of the sunken barge is critical to ensure safe navigation and avoid further disruptions.
