Bhatkal: A cargo barge was washed ashore on Jali beach in Bhatkal on Tuesday morning after reportedly drifting away from a ship amid rough sea conditions.

The barge was first spotted by local fishermen early in the morning, who immediately alerted the Coastal Security Police (CSP). Initial assessments suggest that the barge likely broke loose from a ship due to strong waves and turbulent weather.

Speaking to the media, a CSP official confirmed that the barge belongs to Cochin Shipyard and was en route to Mumbai from Kerala. “The towing rope snapped due to rough sea conditions, causing the barge to drift and eventually run aground on the shore,” the official said.

According to CSP sources, the shipyard authorities have been contacted and have confirmed that the barge became detached around 8 pm on Monday night. The company has assured that a team is being dispatched to Bhatkal to retrieve the vessel.

It is worth noting that the vessel is a flat-top cargo barge — a floating platform typically used to transport heavy cargo, construction materials, or equipment over water.