Authorities to Probe How Vessel that Ran Aground Near Mumbai Evaded the Radar

Panama-flagged oil tanker, MT Pavit, ran aground near Juhu Beach following engine failure and flooding of its engine room, and has been beached there since Sunday, finally floating on Tuesday. The state is now ordering a probe into the incident.

The directorate-general of shipping (DGS) inquiry will look into how MT Pavit was able to bypass three layers of security: The Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, and the marine police; and remain undetected until running aground. Also, no other merchant vessels reported presence of the ship. All of these factors will be taken into consideration to figure out how the tanker remained undetected for over 100 hours in Indian waters.

The Times of India states that DGS officials are to work on communication improvements with other agencies. Due to the lack of radar systems to track the movement of vessels, these are to be installed on priority on the western coast.

Moreover, environmentalists are concerned that MT Pavit, which is carrying a large amount of oil, can lead to a possible oil leak if the vessel tilts and a rescue operation is unsuccessful. Environmental officials are worried that if the ship is not salvaged, it may have to be scrapped at the same place. Counterclaims are that since the ship is grounded near a sand bed, there is little threat of oil leakage.

Authorities have also just recently learned that MT Pavit does not have valid protection and indemnity coverage against third party liabilities. SMIT Lumba is stationed nearby as a precautionary measure, and two more emergency towing vessels are being acquired.

There are currently no details on a salvage plan or operation.

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