The Hindu Business Line : Panel to probe Mumbai High blaze

THE Government has set up a high-level independent committee to enquire into the major fire accident at the Mumbai High North (MHN) processing platform of ONGC on July 27. The committee will be chaired by Mr T.N.R. Rao, former Petroleum Secretary.

According to an official release, the committee will also examine the implementation of the recommendations of earlier enquiries and reports related to such accidents to suggest whether it had been adequately implemented.

While submitting its report, the committee would take into account and consider reports submitted by other agencies, statutory or otherwise, enquiring into the incident.

Mr S.C.N. Jatar, former CMD of OIL and Chairman of ONGC Videsh Ltd, and the Director-General of Coast Guard (or a senior level-nominee) will be members of the committee.

To review the emergency response capability of ONGC, with particular reference to fire and blowouts in the offshore and suggest measures for the upgradation of such capabilities to international standards, the committee, if it deems fit, may take assistance from expert agencies both in the Government as well as from outside, the release said.

The committee has been given six months to submit its report to the Government.

As per its terms of reference, the committee will look into the circumstances leading to the accident and adequacy of the response thereto. The committee will also examine whether the multi-support vehicle (MSV) was seaworthy and whether both the MSV as well as the MHN complex had adequate safeguards and safety factors in accordance with international and Indian standards, to ensure that the platform and sensitive equipment do not get damaged by vessels/rigs.

The committee will also see whether the certification procedures and safety audit practices followed were adequate to prevent such accidents in relation to international norms and any suggested corrective measures for the future.

To recommend action for improving the security of offshore oil and gas installations including the coordination and inspection aspects of security arrangements, the release said.

The major fire accident took place at the MHN processing platform of ONGC on July 27. The accident seemed to have taken place when ONGC's MSV, Samudra Suraksha, operated by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) on management contract basis collided with the platform.

A total of 383 personnel were on the platform, MSV, and a nearby drilling rig.

Some 361 personnel were rescued. However, 11 personnel were confirmed dead and 11 personnel were reported missing.

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