It is reported that an iron ore laden barge belonging to a Goa based mining company, was completely damaged at Gabitwada area of Harawada near Ankola in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Five of the occupants of the barge, including the captain, were rescued by fishermen in another boat.

The barge was carrying 800 tonnes of ore worth INR 5 million. The barge had gone deep into the sea to load the ore to another ship and was caught in the cyclone near the Belekeri port.

To avert further damage, the ship authorities off loaded the ore into the sea, while retaining some in it. The captain of the barge sent an SOS call by using the emergency siren to help them out. The barge was brought to Harawada beach after four hour operation.

Port sources said experts from Mumbai would be brought to repair the barge.

(Sourced from timesofindia.indiatimes.com)