Gujarat: Tugboat capsizes, one killed

One person was killed and six others were rescued when the tugboat ferrying the Ro-pax vessel capsized at Dahej on Thursday evening. The incident comes two days before chief minister Vijay Rupani inaugurates the Dahej-Ghogha Ro-pax ferry service on Saturday.

Officials said that the tugboat Vasila capsized during the trial run of Voyage Symphony, the vessel that would be used for the Ro-pax service. The incident took place as the bigger vessel caught speed, pulling the tugboat by its force. Of the seven people who were aboard the tugboat, six were rescued, while one Hira Master, 55, could not be saved. The incident is among the series of mishaps that have plagued the Ro-Ro ferry service between south Gujarat and Saurashtra. Earlier this month, a pontoon at Dahej was damaged, delaying the launch of the service.