Eighteen persons were rescued after an iron barge on which they were shifting broken rice sank at the Kakinada port early on Sunday.
The barge was carrying the rice to a vessel and the loss was estimated at about ₹1 crore.
East Godavari SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi said no casualties were reported.
The Kakinada Port police registered a case, he said.
“The crew and the workers on board the barge said the accident had occurred due to rough weather and strong winds, when it was proceeding towards the deep water port. However, we will probe other angles too,” the SP said.
600 tonnes load
In-charge port officer G.V. Raghava Rao said the barge K.K.D-81 was carrying 600 tonnes of load and met with the accident due to rough weather.
“The sarung [boatswain] and all other workers were rescued and brought to the shore,” Mr. Rao said.
Steps are being taken to salvage the barge, the in-charge port officer added.
Case booked
More than 80 barges were operating to shift goods to the vessels from the Kakinada port.
The barge owner lodged a complaint with the Kakinada Port police on Sunday evening, said Circle Inspector P. Srinivas Rao.
The police registered a case under Section 280 IPC (Rash Navigation of Vessel) and took up investigation.
