Bravo Herald for your report on the front page condemning the attempt to bring in the sixth Casino vessel into Panjim Inner anchorage while the Port is closed for Entry or Exit of vessels due to prevalent monsoon weather conditions making it unsafe for vessels and crew members.
I hope the learned Judges take notice of this report as well as all the reasons I am sure the Captain of Ports has given to prevent this misadventure which could lead to the deaths of sailors on the tugs.
The most important factor to take into consideration is the fact that a mishap could take place where a vessel may sink or overturn endangering the lives of the crew and could even lead to casualties i.e. the death of crew members.
What is so urgent or crucial about this casino getting into Panjim that the sailors lives are being risked. The courts should not allow this at any cost. Lost lives cannot be compromised saying owners will pay damages and take the risk.
The vessel is safely alongside the jetty at Mormugoa Harbour. And It is after all a matter of a couple of months, the Port will open around September 15 and if the Government and Parrikar decide to allow this vessel in, instead of getting all the Casinos out as promised during elections, before elections and after elections, then no one can stop them coming in provided again the towing plan etc. meets the requirements of the Captain of Ports who is the correct authority to take a final decision on the safety of this towing operation.
The most dangerous part of the operation is the entry from Aguada to Miramar area now is that since there is a very narrow channel between sand bars on either sides and draft restrictions made all the more risky because on monsoon wave actions. The rains and winds will also add to the problem restricting maneuverability in view of lack of visibility specially if it rains.
Another point to consider is that in case the vessels sink in the approach channel then salvage operations to remove them from there can only begin after September 15 and could take a couple of months to complete and clear the channel. If this does happen then neither fishing crafts or barges will be able to use the channel to get in or out of Panjim Port leading to huge losses to those in the fishing and mining trade and Goa.
Thank You again Herald for standing up for the lives of these sailors and for Goa.
