Barge carrying iron ore pellets sinks in Zuari, crew rescued

Panaji: A barge laden with iron ore pellets sank in the Zuari river near Goa Shipyard on Monday. Eight crew members who were on board at the time of the incident, escaped and were rescued by nearby fishing vessels.While weather conditions were favourable and visibility conditions were good at the time of the incident, sources said the barge, Sal, bearing registration number PNJ 556, was heading towards Mandovi River Pellets at Shiroda when it struck an existing wreck that has been lying in the river for years. The collision ruptured the barge’s hull, causing it to rapidly take in water and sink. A video of the barge capsizing was captured by fishermen aboard a trawler.Monday’s incident could lead to pollution if the barge’s fuel tanks are damaged and breached. Officials said salvage operations will commence once weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, the authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking, and further details are awaited.The Mormugao Port Authority had attempted to remove the existing wreckage in the Zuari river several years ago, but the debris remains buried in the silt. The wreckage impedes the movement of cargo and fishing vessels during low tide.