the goan I network
VASCO
The ambitious operation launched to pump out the naphtha from the MT Nu Shi Nalini, which is grounded off Dona Paula coast, received a setback after the hydraulic pump being carried by a Naval helicopter fell into the sea close to the ship on Wednesday morning.
The crucial operation has now been delayed at least by a day.
According to a source in the MPT, the pump weighing around 1.5 tonnes fell in the sea very close to the ship and missed the people who were in and around it.
“The pump was loaded and well secured to the helicopter. It was to be shifted from the berth to the ship and placed on board. This pump had a vital role to play in offloading the naphtha from the grounded ship. The pump fell when the helicopter had almost reached the ship. Fortunately, the fishermen who were around the ship immediately identified the location so that the pump could be recovered from the sea,” said the source
“Fortunately, the pump did not fall on board or the people who were around the ship would have faced trouble. Also, there could have been a disaster. The authorities said the pump was very expensive costing lakhs. Even renting it out cost a great deal. They hoped the pump was not totally damaged and could be used,” the source added.
