Coast guard continues to contain oil spill Off Mumbai Coast

Multiple Coast Guard helicopters, fixed wing aircraft , and 06 ships (Sankalp, Sangram, Amrit Kaur, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Kamla Devi and C-145) have continued its efforts to combat the oil spill off Mumbai coast with the first day light break of today 09 Aug 10.

The MSC Chitra still tilted dangerously and there is no change in situation. Oil spill from the vessel has reduced to a certain extent and moving toward North-Westerly direction. Only 02 tanks of the vessel have been reported to be damaged post collision. Both have the holding capacity of 879 M/Tons. The amount of oil held onboard is only for bunkering.

CG fixed wing aircraft form Coast Guard Air Station Daman are  undertaking regular air surveillance to help in monitor the oil spills over the sensitive areas of Mumbai coast. During aerial surveillance concentrated residual oil patches have been sighted adjoining areas of BARC and Sewri. The oil patches off Middle Ground and islands of Elephanta & Butcher have been cleared off by ICG assets by spraying chemical dispersants. The District Collectors of Thane, Navi Mumbai and Raigarh have reported no sighting of oil on coast line.

ICG ships, CG aircraft and JNPT/ONGC vessels with pollution response capability are continuously spraying oil spill dispersants as required in affected areas. Pollution response for oil sheen short off Sewri and Alibag which reported earlier by CG aircraft in progress.

The oil spill is potential threat to marine environment view its chemical characteristics, however as of now the situation is under control.Indian Coast Guard has adequate pollution response equipment/facilities to meet the contingency of oil spill.