VASCO
With Cyclone Tauktae approaching the Goa coast, several agencies including the Coast Guard, Navy and Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) have begun taking all possible precautionary measures.
The MPT has already issued a warning to all vessels in its jurisdiction to be cautious and prepared.
As a safety measure, MPT has also directed vessels at the anchorage to steam out and also directed the vessels alongside the berths to un-dock and move out to the anchorage.
Sources in MPT confirmed the move and said it was a routine procedure followed during a cyclone approaching the coast.
Sources added that though the operations at MPT could be affected after vessels at berth move out, they termed this a temporary move.
"It is true that vessels at the berths are directed to move out. This is a precautionary measure and with heavy winds flowing towards the shores, the ships can hit against the berths thus damaging the berths and the ships also.”
“This is one basic reason why the ships have been told to move away from the berths. This is only a temporary move for the safety of all and the ships will return to berths once the storm moves out," said an official.
