From Daijiworld's special correspondent
 
Panaji, May 31: Rain fury continued in Goa for the third consecutive day on TUesday with five trawlers capsizing off the Goan coast while a barge ran aground on Miramar beach.

On Monday night, the coastal state underwent one of the worst spells of gusty winds which hit south Goa's coast. "The winds were travelling at the speed of 64 kms/hr. The coastal towns were worst affected by the winds," stated K V Singh, director, meteorological department.

Goa received 26 cm of rain during the past two days. Margao in south Goa registered 32 cms, which was the highest rainfall, he said.

"Gusty winds and heavy rains will continue for the next 24 hours and we have sent a warning to fishermen asking them not to venture into the sea," Singh said.

Coastal towns were the worst hit as gusty winds caused by upper air cyclonic circulation off the Karwar coast created havoc. There was damage to property.

"The Kerala-based trawler 'Selvamatha' capsized off the Goa coast. Of its nine crew members, eight swam across to shore while one is missing. The trawler was towed to nearby Vasco harbour by another trawler," said Commandant R M Sharma, deputy inspector general of the Coast Guard.

In yet another incident, a barge (ship carrying iron ore) ran aground at Miramar beach, 3 kms away from Panaji. All the nine crew members from the ship were rescued and attempts were on to get the ship out from the sand.

"The mouth of the river at Miramar bay has turned dangerous for barge movements. Last year, a trawler had run aground at the same place during the monsoons," stated Victor Gonsalves, chairman, Mandovi Fisheries Co-operative Society.

While the Met department has issued a warning, around 400 trawlers, which had left the Goan shores a day before the gusty winds had hit, have taken shelter at different ports and harbours. "Everyone is safe.. we are in touch them," Gonsalves stated.