Tanker grounded off Goa shore: Salvage efforts delayed as rescue equipment falls into sea

The naptha tanker was grounded last week, and has hit the rocky sea bed. It was decided the only way to salvage the vessel was to first pump out the over 2,000 tonnes of naphtha and other fuel from it to another tanker. According to officials, experts from Directorate General of Shipping, who had accessed the vessel along with the salvage agency, had concluded this was the fastest, safest and most environment-friendly approach.

However, on Wednesday, the equipment required to pump out the naptha fell into the sea from the helicopter.

“The hydraulic pumps have dropped into sea. It’s our bad luck,” confirmed Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking to media. Sawant said the next step would be to get a replacement, with the deadline to pump out the gas and fuel extended by five more days.

This is the second attempt at saving the vessel that has gone wrong, with an earlier effort to use tugs facing undercurrents.

So far, no oil spill has been reported from the tanker and the Coast Guard is tracking the situation. An oil spill response vessel has been stationed next to it.

The unmanned tanker went rogue after its anchor snapped, and it moved from the port vicinity towards the water near the capital.