It was 16th October 2012, I had to go to Bicholim
for a meeting of an organization. There are three executive committee members
from our town Marcel including me. We decided we will meet at the ferry
boarding point at Tonca and go by motor bike. So I went there with my car and
parked near the ferry boarding point and met one of the Committee members. But
at the last moment he could not make due to some personal work. So we called up
the third person who said he was already on the ferry which left just now. So
we told him that I will come by next ferry and that he should wait for me the
other side i.e Sarmanos.
The other ferry came. I got into the ferry. I could see that
the level of water was low and that it was low tide. The ferry man allowed 4
four wheelers and atleast 10 – 15 motobikes to come inside the ferry. There
were many people too. One of the 4 wheeler was a goods carrier and that too
loaded. The ferry started off to sail and then he took a round and started
moving forward.
Now let me explain the sailing route. The ferry has to sail
about 200 mtrs through small canal called as Cumbarjua canal before entering
into the main river i.e. River Mandovi. (This can be also called as linking
river between River Mandovi and River Zuari). Then it has to cross the big
river Mandovi to reach the other side i.e. Sarmanos. This is the shortest route
to Bicholim Town
Ok now let me come back to the sailing point where our ferry
just started sailing. So as the ferry started moving ahead, suddenly with a
jerk the ferry stopped. Suddenly I was confused, what was happening? The
ferry’s engine was on but ferry not moving. I just looked towards the sailor’s
cabin, but could not see any panic situation in there. Some people like me had
worried face while most of them sat calm.
The sailor again raced the engine but no way would the ferry
move. Then he tried to take reverse then too the ferry standing still in the
waters. Lucky that this happened before the ferry entered the Main River
Then I saw one of the assistant of the sailor coming down
and checking the engine room. I asked him what happened. He didn’t reply and
went on to check. Then he came out of the engine room and shouted at sailor
that there was no problem in the engine. By this time I could see a worried
face of a mother who was carrying small child who was not well. They were
taking him to Doctor. Another old lady started saying that she will be missing
bus. Damn about others, I was afraid by now. Not knowing what was going on. I
started praying that let this ferry reach safely to shore. Now we were in the
middle of the canal. Then again the sailor’s assistant came down and started
looking into waters. Again I asked him the same question what happened? This
time he replied, he said that it was low tide and the ferry has got stuck on
the canal bed. Ooh that was relief. Then I asked him whether it is serious. To
which he replied hey no… as and when water will rise in the canal due to tide
we can sail. The other guy had reached the other end and was waiting for me. He
called me up and said its 20 minute passed your ferry should have been here. So
I explained to him what had happened and told him to move on so that he won’t
miss the meeting.
The ordeal was going on. No one in ferry knew exactly when
we will be sailing. Time was also ticking away. Then the sailor’s assistant
came told all the passengers come near the engine room, thinking that the ferry
got struck in the front portion. Again the sailor raced the engine and also
instructed some motorbikes to be parked near the engine room. May be his idea
was to ease the load in the main parking area of ferry. No way would the ferry
move. Alas this trial also failed. By the time all this exercise was done,
already we were in the same position from last 35 minutes. Then after
discussions between Sailor and his assistants they decided now that all the
passengers move on to the front portion towards the tip. As directed we all
went near the front tip. As soon as we all gathered near the front tip, the
ferry started turning. Yes said the sailor we are through but he turned the
ferry back wards and then moved back some 50 mtrs and then took a new direction
as to avoid the problematic route. Then slowly he raced and ferry started
moving. By this time it was 7:50 Pm. I lost all hope of attending the meeting.
Decided I will go to the other end and come back in the same ferry as it was
pointless going now.
By god’s blessing we safely reached the other end crossing
the River Mandovi in 10 minutes. While the ferry moved I thanked God for the
safe journey and also prayed that I reach home safely. The biggest tension was
that I do not know to swim. If ever the ferry was sinking then I would be in
trouble. I started thinking about my family, my mother, wife, sister and
brother. I cursed myself for choosing the ferry route for going. I thought I
should have gone through other route. Though the distance to Bicholim while
going through bridge is more, It would have been safer.
Any way the ordeal ended with great relief. And I deciding
to avoid ferry the maximum possible.
Thank God nothing serious happened and I am safe, writing my
experience and sharing it to you.
Goanz…..
