Nine days after barge capsized ateam of expert divers from Visakhapatnam are still waiting to clear the oil, hit by stormy weather The 90 per cent capsized barge is posing a danger to the reef too After total capsize of the barge, detecting oil tanks would prove challenging, say experts. A refrigerator from the barge floated to the land and locals broke it open to check its contents.
It is nine days since the dredging barge started sinking off shore at Mogaveera Patna, Ullal. A team of expert divers have arrived from Visakhapatnam and are waiting for the stormy weather to subside for clearing the oil tanks, if necessary.
The team consisting 8 expert divers arrived in Ullal 3 days ago. They are not able to reach the barge due to stormy weather. They are in discussions with the State Pollution Control Board, Port Authority and coastguards.
The storm is expected to clear in two days. The expert divers will approach the barge in tug, dive and check the oil tanks at the bottom of the barge. The barge company chief has already reassured that the tanks are sealed tight but the tem will reassure by checking.
In case the tug is unable to reach the barge, the divers’ team will use local boats, said port officials.
Oil leakage from tanks is not yet detected at the barge. However, after the barge capsizes completely, it would be difficult to locate the oil tanks. The Port officials have decided not to venture into any attempts to lift the barge as the stormy weather may prove dangerous.
A refrigerator that floated from the barge reached land on Monday and the locals broke it open to check its contents. The barge has capsized 90 per cent and in the event of it sinking completely, there is a danger to the reef and the barrier wall may develop cracks, feel the locals.
