Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SR)

Panaji, Nov 4: Authorities involved in clearing the grounded tanker Nu-Shi Nalini, on Sunday said unexpected difficulties such as bad weather caused problem in pumping out the naphtha, diesel and heavy oil from the tanker.

Though the authorities planned to pump out the 2,400 metric tonne of naphtha, 50 tonne of oil and 19 tonne of diesel on Sunday, it could not commence the operation due to bad weather.

In a late evening meeting conducted on Sunday, chief minister Pramod Sawant said, "From tomorrow (Monday) morning we will start transfer of naphtha from ship to barge carrying tanks if weather permits."

However, an official as quoted by TOI said that the chances of pumping commencing are slim because of weather. "We have no problem getting the vessel to Goa, but the detention charges are $ 15,000 per day. So it will be expensive for us if the ship arrives, but the naphtha is not pumped out."