PANJIM: In what will be a major blow to the Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd, the District Disaster Management Authority could possibly declare the grounded off shore casino M V Lucky 7 as 'nuisance' if it isn't towed away in the next few days. If that happens, all doors for the vessel's operations in any form will be shut permanently. 

"The disaster management authority (DMA) has taken a serious view of the matter. As such, the authority is considering to declare the vessel nuisance as its continuous presence at Miramar beach  will affect living being and cause environmental damage," said a source. DMA's possible decision could spell further doom on the company as it will attract Tourist Trade Act, which means a blanket ban on the vessel's operations as off shore casino. The DMA had recently given 30 days to the company to move the vessel.

Goa-based Madgavkar Salvage Private Limited - that could replace the present Arihant Ship Breakers, is conducting on board inspection to chalk out concrete plans to either tow the vessel away from the beach safely or cut it out in pieces. 

“The  vessel in the current circumstances is getting weaker. After it managed to refloat, the vessel should have been taken out immediately but long  delay resulted in a gushing  hole at its bottom. The hole has got wider because of which water has entered the engine room and other parts of the ground floor. New cracks are also visible," said the source. 

If the new salvor, which has been asked by the casino firm to submit its quotation, is entrusted with the task, sources said air balloons and pontoons will be pressed into service. "The air bags will be positioned around the vessel during the re-floating exercise. Even if the vessel gets damaged enroute to MPT, the air bags will help keep the vessel floating. It will not allow the vessel to sink," revealed an expert.  

It has come to the notice that a new tugboat brought by Arihant to tow the vessel itself needed repairs. Sources said the tugboat was on its way to Sri Lanka dockyard for repairs but was diverted to Goa to tow the 5,000-odd ton vessel. It is learnt that one of its engines was also not working.