Special correspondent - Panaji

Panaji, May 6: Two vessels were drifted off Caranzalem beach coast near here as the pre-monsoons showers and winds hit the coastal state of Goa.
 
Captain of ports department confirmed that these vessels – barges used to carry iron ore – got drifted due to choppy sea and winds this afternoon. “We can’t say whether they have run aground or just drifted towards the coast. The department has sent its officials to inspect them,” Lyndon Monteiro, Officer on Special duty for Captain of ports department, said.
 
He said that all the precautions are taken and further statement would be issued only after officers return from the spot.
 
Goa is yet to get its annual monsoon showers even as pre monsoon showers have continued lashing the state for last three days.
 
“Heavy and isolated showers are likely to hit the state in next 24 hours. The monsoon is yet to arrive in the state. It will advance towards Goa by Sunday,” met department official said.
 
The pre monsoon showers have made the sea rough with tourism department issuing warning against swimming on the state’s beaches. The captain of ports has also closed a navigational Aguada sand bar restricting the movements of ships in the port area.
 
Incidently, June 06 is a crucial day for the state as till date three such drifting have taken place on the same day.
 
In the year 1994, on June 05, the state witnessed oil spilling when a huge vessel M V Sea Transporter was drifted from Mormugao harbour in the squall that hit Goa coast and grounded on the rocks, a few metres away from Sinquerim beach. 
 
“The ship carried about 1000 tonnes of residual oil. On 2 July 1994, due to gusty winds, a crack was developed on the starboard side, thus spilling oil from the ship. The amount of oil spilled was estimated around 2 tonnes,” reads a study conducted by National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Goa.