Barge sinks; 11 crew members missing

Eleven crew members were reported missing after a barge sank at Khanderi island near Alibaug on Sunday morning, police said.

Eleven crew members were reported missing after a barge sank at Khanderi island near Alibaug on Sunday morning, police said.

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The barge was carrying sponge iron from neighbouring Mumbai for Vikram Ispat, a Birla Group company, when it sank at around 4.30 am Near Alibaug in Raigad district, they said.

There were 14 crew members in the barge but three of them jumped into the sea with life jackets, the police said, adding they have not yet reached on shore.

The Navy, aided by the local administration, has launched a rescue operation.