BETIM

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Ferry still submerged

One week after partially sinking at the Chorao Island ferry ramp, the 'Betim' remained submerged, severely disrupting the daily travel routine of islanders and commuters. The continued delay in the recovery has sparked public frustration and political backlash, with questions mounting over the vessel's salvageability and the timeline for restoring normal operations. The authorities had assured that ferry services would resume once the sunken vessel has been removed and the was is deemed safe for navigation. However, multiple recovery attempts have failed so far. The River Navigation Department (RND) continued the salvage efforts. Another lift attempt was made on June 28, but the vessel could not be raised. Hig h tides hampered the work of the salvors. A pontoon was now attached to the ferry. As recovery efforts continue, the community waited for a resolution to restore vital transportation services between Chorao and the mainland. Reports with photos: https://www.heraldgoa.in/goa/goa/frustration-grows-as-sunken-betim-ferry-disrupts-chorao-commute-for-seventh-day/424527 https://www.heraldgoa.in/goa/goa/seven-days-on-chorao-ferry-remains-submerged-as-salvage-efforts-stall/424505 https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/high-tide-stymies-salvage-of-ferry-fresh-attempt-today/ar-AA1HyJOi

Salvage work has commenced

On June 26, efforts were underway to refloat the 'Betim' that partially sank in the Mandovi River near Chorão. Authorities have initiated the operation to remove the submerged vessel, which has been obstructing river traffic and posing safety risks. Teams equipped with specialized machinery and support boats have been deployed to stabilize and lift the ferry. The process, however, could take several hours, depending on weather conditions and the vessel’s condition. The incident has drawn concerns from commuters and local residents who rely on the ferry service for daily transport. Authorities assured that normal operations would be resumed as soon as the vessel was safely removed and the route has been cleared. Report with photo: https://www.heraldgoa.in/goa/goa/efforts-begin-to-refloat-the-sunken-ferry-the-authorities-have-begun-the-process-to-remove-the-partially-submerged-ferry-boat-from-the-mandovi-river-at-chor%C3%A3o/424397

Salvage equipment mobilized to sunken ferry

The ‘Betim’, serving the Chorao route, remained submerged at its dock at Chorao on June 25. The authorities have initiated salvage operations, but the retrieval process was delayed due to technical and logistical challenges. Machinery was being mobilised. A pontoon crane with pumps has already arrived at the site. Two additional pontoons were expected to reach on June 25 by 11 p.m. The river navigation department (RND) planned to start the salvage on June 26. The ferry sank after one of its tanks got flooded. Preliminary investigations by the RND suggested that the incident could have been caused by an inadequate drainage from the tanks, particularly the air tanks positioned at the bottom of the vessel. These air tanks are critical for maintaining the buoyancy of the ship. On June 23, the fire brigade had tried to assist in getting the ship afloat, deploying large water pumps to try and drain the water from the vessel. However, despite their efforts, the vessel could not be raised.