#TragedyAverted | Panic on Mandovi as Ferry Stalls Mid-River in Cumbharjua

Team Goemkarponn

Cumbharjua: A potentially tragic river mishap was narrowly averted on Wednesday evening after a ferry boat operating in the Cumbharjua canal stalled mid-river with several passengers on board. The incident occurred when the ferry, connecting residents across the Mandovi river, suddenly experienced an engine failure and came to a halt in the middle of the waterway.

As the stranded ferry drifted listlessly, panic gripped passengers when they spotted a massive barge approaching directly toward them. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as the large vessel, unaware of the stationary ferry’s presence, continued on its routine course through the narrow channel.

However, swift and courageous action by a local youth onshore averted what could have been a deadly collision. The youth, noticing the incoming danger, immediately shouted warnings and frantically signaled the barge pilot. The alert barge operator quickly reduced speed and steered the vessel away from the stranded ferry in the nick of time, preventing a disaster that could have had dire consequences.

Following the scare, the ferry’s engine was successfully repaired on-site by a maintenance team that rushed to the spot. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safely brought back to the ferry terminal without any injury or damage.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the aging fleet of ferries operating in the region, many of which are prone to mechanical failures and lack modern navigation systems or safety mechanisms. Locals have long demanded improved maintenance protocols and the induction of newer vessels to avoid such dangerous situations.

Speaking to Goemkarponn, a passenger on board the ferry recounted the ordeal:

> “We were just halfway across when the ferry stopped. At first, we thought it was temporary, but then we saw the barge heading straight for us. It was terrifying. That young man’s alertness and the barge pilot’s quick reaction saved us all.”

Meanwhile, the River Navigation Department (RND) has acknowledged the breakdown and said it is investigating the cause of the engine failure. Officials have assured that all ferries will undergo a thorough inspection in the coming days to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Cumbharjua ferry route is a crucial lifeline for hundreds of daily commuters, including schoolchildren, office-goers, and local vendors. Any disruption in service significantly impacts life in the island-connected communities of Old Goa and Divar.

The incident, though ending safely, has prompted calls for better safety drills, installation of emergency communication systems, and the deployment of lifejackets onboard all ferries.