The Hindu Business Line : SCI efforts to save Samudra Suraksha fail

SHIPPING Corporation of India (SCI) has reported that its efforts to save Samudra Suraksha, the multi-support vessel that was involved in the fire that engulfed an oil platform of ONGC at Mumbai High on July 27, have not succeeded.

The vessel, which is owned by ONGC and operated by SCI, sank on August 2, while the ship was being towed towards the Mumbai port.

Giving its version of the incident, SCI said that the vessel was engaged in carrying out inspection, maintenance and repair in the Mumbai high offshore oil fields.

On July 27, while the vessel was performing underwater saturation diving at N-7 platform in Mumbai High north field, a housekeeper in catering department accidentally severed two of his fingers while working in the galley.

The Master, in consultation with ONGC representative onboard, decided that the BHN platform would be necessary for his medical treatment.

On reaching the BHN complex, it was observed that BHN had already lowered its `Personnel Basket' to pick up the injured person.

The vessel took position on the south face of BHN platform for personnel transfer by positioning under the platform crane.

"During the transfer, strong winds and swells pushed the vessel towards the platform and its starboard size, including helideck, made contact with the platform structure.

"It is suspected that one of the gas pipeline or riser of natural gas might have fractured due to the impact, resulting in leakage of natural gas," SCI said.

With the vessel also catching fire and as the situation became "uncontrollable," the Master decided to abandon the ship.

All ship's personnel, except the six divers who were inside the saturation chambers, disembarked.

SCI reported that a contingency watch was set up at its head office.

Once the saturation divers were out of Samudra Suraksha on July 29, towing of the vessel to sheltered waters were launched.

Two towing vessels were deployed, but the vessel could not be rescued and it sank on August 2, about 13 nautical miles north-west of Prongs Reef Lighthouse in water depth of about 22.5 metres.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
IICT consortium develops synthetic aviation lubricant

Jet extends `check fares' scheme to entire network

SCI efforts to save Samudra Suraksha fail

Development of terminal at Chennai port to go on

Gangavaram port: Pact signed for resettlement

Star Cruises allowed in 2 routes

Wage talks: Transport workers unhappy

Rail freight corridor: Gujarat seeks `ports-friendly' route