Bhavnagar: An abandoned barge (thapadu) has washed ashore near Nikol Beach in Mahuva. The barge reportedly drifted through the sea near the lighthouse before reaching the beach.

Local fishermen explained that this type of cargo barge is typically used to extract sand from the seabed. It is also employed to transport large objects by being tied behind big vessels. This barge is commonly known as a thapadu or pontoon.

The unclaimed barge bears the markings “Rudra-1” and “Mumbai.” The washing ashore of such a large abandoned object drifting in the sea has raised security concerns. A team from the Coast Guard and local police has arrived at the site and initiated an investigation.

Preliminary checks have found no suspicious materials or objects on the barge. It is believed that the barge was carried by strong waves and eventually landed on Nikol Beach. DeshGujarat