From Daijiworld's special correspondent in Panaji
Karwar, May 31: Following reports of oil spillage from MV Ocean Seraya, a huge ship, stranded off the Karwar coast, the Indian coast guard and Karwar port authorities have swung into action.
The ship had hit the rocks off the Karwar coast on Monday night and Indian coast guard's aircrew rescued all the 21 crew members except one. Azim Juvale, ship's second-in-command had jumped in the sea and is reported missing since then.
As the gusty winds continued, the oil spill was noticed from the stranded ship, on Wednesday afternoon by coast guard's Chetak helicopter and dornier aircraft which was keeping surveillance around the ship.
"We are monitoring the situation. At present, the spill is minor. One ship tank must have been ruptured after hitting the rocks," commander R M Sharma, deputy inspector general, India coast guard, said.
Coast guard's aircrew, which had kept vigil around the ship, immediately flashed message about spillage to it's headquarter in Goa, which have mobilized its spill control resources.
The Karwar port authorities and district administration too have been informed about the spill and measures are taken to ensure that it does not hit the coast.
"We have mobilized our equipments.. Oil spill dispersants would be sprayed on the spill by helicopter and aircraft while a coast guard ship has been commissioned to control the spill," Comdt Sharma said.
The coast guard was expecting the oil spill from the ship, which is carrying 650 tons of fuel onboard. "The fuel is distributed in various tanks located across the ship. One of the tank is ruptured so there is no possibility that all the 650 tons oil will be spilled," said Comdt Sharma asking people not to be panicky.
Taking help of Karwar port, Indian coast guard have also told karwar district administration to initiate necessary steps to remove oil from the vessel. "We have asked them to use absorbent and other material to control the spill," he said.
Earlier reports:
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