BETIM

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Salvage attempt failed

The salvage of the 'Betim', which sank near Chorao on June 23, was continued, but the ship remained under water on July 26 despite day-long salvage efforts by the river navigation department (RND). A team of 15 RND staff, assisted by a professional diver and a special salvager crane, worked through the day but were unable to lift the vessel. On July 24, pontoons were hired to aid the salvage, but shallow waters along the riverbank made it impossible to accommodate them, forcing the department to switch strategies. There was a high tide which was hindering the work. Preliminary investigations suggested the vessel sank due to rainwater accumulating in the tanks, which were not drained. The responsibility for this lapse was lying with the coxswain, who failed to conduct the required checks and drain the tanks in time.

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