Two foreign cargo ships collided in Dwarka district on Friday. A team of Coast Guards, a patrol ship and a helicopter have been deployed for the rescue operation. Indian Coast Guard Ships and helicopters deployed for area assessment have reported no oil spill or marine pollution from both the merchant vessels and the area is being constantly monitored for any marine pollution eventually.
The Gulf of Kutch is one of the most important shipping routes for India as a large portion of the imported crude arrives at the ports of Kandla and Mundra. An accident in these shipping lanes could also cause irreversible damage to the unique Marine National Park in Jamnagar.
“The collision took place between MVs Aviator and Atlantic Grace in Gulf of Kutch on 26 November night. Indian Coast Guard ships in the area including pollution control vessel on stand-by in the vicinity and monitoring the situation,” PRO Defence, Gujarat said in a statement.
“We will need tugs to conduct the salvage operations. This is a delicate operation conducted mid-sea where we have to ensure there is no further damage to the hull or the vessel does not tilt. This is a very important shipping lane as over 35 percent of the crude oil imported into India comes through the Gulf of Kutch” the official added.
