PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that casino vessels anchored in River Mandovi do not pose any navigational problems to barges, trawlers, ferry boats and others ships.
Parrikar was replying to a question tabled by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco in the ongoing monsoon session of the assembly.
Meanwhile, Parrikar also informed that six accidents have taken place involving vessels in River Mandovi since 2012. Of these, four accidents took place in 2017 itself.
The first accident this year happened in January when M V Vishal Ishan drifted into temporary walkway constructed for the third Mandovi Bridge. Investigations have revealed that this accident happened because the angle rudder indicator got stuck at 20 degree (port side). The master and engine driver licenses were withheld for 15 days and 7 days respectively.
Of the four accidents in 2017, three involved vessels getting grounded. In February 2017, M V Santa Monica got grounded at Miramar Campal with 214 passengers and 10 crew members on board.
Parrikar also mentioned that this accident happened because of low tide, shallow waters and windy weather. No casualty was reported in this case, as all the passengers on board along with the crew were rescued safely. However, the master and engine driver's license has been withheld as on date and further inquiry is in progress.
Then in May 2017, M V Vishal Dhananjay got grounded at Miramar Beach due to sudden squall off Aguada Sand Bar while transiting in empty condition. Later, the vessel refloated on its own and it was maneuvered to safe anchoring position in the channel.
The latest accident involved M V Lucky Seven, which got drifted and grounded at Miramar Beach on July 16.
Parrikar further informed that one crew member of M V Lucky Seven injured his hand in the incident, while three other crew members suffered from sea sickness. All of them were airlifted and rescued.
