Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) Chairman A V Ramana clarified that there is no chance of oil spillage from ‘Tridevi Prem’, the dredging vessel that had been abandoned by its crew members four days ago near NMPT. He also asked environmentalists and fishermen not to be worried about the possibility of environmental pollution or harm to marine life.

Addressing reporters here on Friday, September 6, Ramana said, “Water samples have been tested and we have got the report that there is no oil spillage from the dredger. As low-sulfur high-speed diesel was in its oil tank, there is no possibility of oil leakage. Hence, there is no concern about harm to the environment or fishing activities. The drowned vessel is not in the navigational channel of the port and there is no hindrance to navigation as well. It is now left to the dredging company to salvage the vessel after consulting with its insurance company. For the safety of the local fishermen, buoys will be floated near the site as a warning against going near it.”

He also said that the NMPT had placed boom barriers around the vessel while keeping skimmers and oil absorbents, along with resources from the Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), on-standby. “We have also asked the ports of Cochin, Goa and Mumbai to keep their pollution-control equipment ready,” Ramana added.

Speaking to mediapersons, Ministry of Shipping Environmental Advisor Dr R D Tripati said that he was initially worried about the possible storage of black oil within the vessel, which has a higher viscosity and is dangerous to the environment.

“In this case, however, there is no black oil in the vessel. The low sulfur high-speed diesel or white oil is not harmful to marine life as it evaporates in the atmosphere. However, all precautionary measures have been taken,” he added.

It can be recalled that NMPT officials and Coast Guard personnel had rescued over 20 people from the dredger which sank into the sea on Monday morning, September 2.