Ahmedabad:

The India Coast Guard and some other agencies today started an operation to de-fuel the ‘notorious’ vessel M V Henry, form which around 1500 kg of heroine worth over 4500 crores smuggled from abroad was seized in July last year.

The operation has been started to avoid any possibility of oil-spill in the sea.

The vessel which was bought later by a Porbandar based firm and was brought there had drifted from the harbour.

Defence spokesperson Sombit Ghosh today said, ‘The ill fated apprehended vessel MV Hennry that was caught with smuggled narcotics at the high seas, in a joint operation by Indian Coast Guard and other resource agencies ran aground today in the morning at 0830 hrs. As informed by the authorities, the vessel on completion of judicial trials was finally auctioned to M/S Khodiyar Trading, Porbandar for next course of action.’

‘The vessel was shifted temporarily to the inner anchorage on July 14 to make way for an inbound vessel at Porbandar. She has reportedly drifted after her anchor cable parted and ran aground at about 400 mtr West South West of the old light house outside Porbandar harbour. Though, this vessel did not pose any threat to the navigational safety but the potent threat of oil pollution continued to loom over the pristine coast of Gujarat as it houses about 230 KL High Speed Diesel onboard. Immediately on receipt of this information, the Coast Guard swung into action and mobilized their expertise in response to the situation. A pre assessment helicopter sortie was conducted this morning and owing to the analysis, the defueling arrangements are being undertaken by winching down Coast Guard personnel and equipment. Though there is no immediate threat but in order to ensure safety of the coast and marine ecosystem, the defueling of the diesel from ship to shore has commenced which will continue for approx 36-48 hrs. The preparedness, to respond to any future developing scenario has also been activated in conjunction with port authorities. The prompt actions have averted the marine pollution threat in the area as there are no signs of spillage in the immediate vicinity,’ he added.

The Indian Coast Guard at Gujarat is also in a process of establishing a Pollution Response Team (NW) based at Vadinar by the end of this month, to respond to all such eventualities on the Saurashtra coast as well as both the important Gulfs in the state of Gujarat, he further said.

DeshGujarat