VASCO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the government would file a case against the MPT regarding the unmanned vessel M T Nu Shi Nalini laden with highly flammable cargo drifting off the Arabian Sea due to bad weather.
Speaking to the media persons in Panjim at a press briefing, Sawant said the MPT did not unload the cargo from the vessel but towed the same some five nautical miles away. However, due to rough weather conditions, the vessel started drifting towards Dona Paula coast. Sawant said as per his judgement the vessel was supposed to be around 7 kms away from the coast but was visible from the Raj Bhavan.
The Chief Minister informed that Captain of Ports officials, DG Shipping and the concerned departments are pursuing this matter. Efforts are being made to use a helicopter to tow the vessel and prevent it from reaching this side of the shore.
The speed of the vessel is slow, but precautions need to be taken with the help of MPT and DG Shipping to anchor the vessel.
“I have also given instructions to the Collector to inquire as to why this incident has taken place. We are going to file case against the MPT as it is responsible for managing this vessel and it should have taken precautions. MPT cannot simply keep the vessel five nautical miles away and be carefree,” he said.
When asked for his comments on the bad weather condition and cyclone-like situation, he said, “We have taken all precautionary measures, fisheries department and disaster management cell are on alert. North and South Collectors have been informed about this issue. He has also requested the people to be extra cautious for next two days and drive their vehicles at moderate speeds.
On Thursday afternoon, the news of an unmanned vessel drifting off the Arabian Sea went viral on the social media.
Meanwhile, Goa First, an NGO, which had highlighted the issue last month, termed it as a sheer negligence on the part of the authorities to take stock of the situation.
The vessel is expected to be loaded with around 3000 MT Naphtha.
Parshuram Sonurlekar of Goa First informed that the Naphtha cargo if leaked could finish the area around the vessel in minutes. The ship arrived at the port around three months ago for shelter and repairs and transfer of cargo but was caught up in illegalities. The vessel which met with fire accident in Cochin was brought to MPT.
He said, “Time and again I have highlighted this issue considering the safety of the port town residents but unfortunately the authorities have displayed their lethargic attitude to act against it.”
“I had written to the government authorities requesting them to act before any untoward incident takes place. If the vessel starts leaking and if it catches fire then it will be a huge disaster as in Vasco we have petroleum tanks, others major installations, ships and it will also have an adverse impact on the marine life and Harbour-Cortalim coastline,” Sonurlekar warned.
Repeated efforts to contact MPT chairman Dr E Ramesh Kumar proved futile.
Later, Deputy Conservator of MPT Capt Manoj Joshi mentioned that there has been an emergency situation in the port area but refused to comment further.
It may be recalled that Herald had highlighted the issue in its edition dated September 25.
