Mumbai: An unmanned barge was grounded off Guhagar beach near Jaigarh harbour on July 19. The non-self-propelled barge was not carrying any fuel and was being towed by Tug ASL Osprey from Colombo to Djibouti with some heavy machinery onboard. It was reported that due to the rough sea conditions, the tow parted and machinery fell off the barge due to which the barge turned upside down on July 8, 2022, at about 200 nautical miles from the Indian Coast. The Tug ASL Osprey reported the likely sinking of a barge on July 10, 2022
However, considering the possibility of submergence, the Indian Coast Guard issued a navigational warning to all the mariners and kept a lookout for the submerged barge.
The barge after drifting approximately 200 nautical miles in the easterly direction towards the Indian coast, finally grounded at Guhagar beach on 19 Jul 22.
Indian Coast Guard had already alerted the State authorities of the situation. Tug Marigold and Salvour (M/s Brand Marine Consultant, Mumbai) arranged by the owner M/s Capitol Navigation PTE Ltd, Singapore has been positioned near the location on request from the Indian Coast Guard for salvage of the grounded barge.
It was further confirmed by the Indian Coast Guard that the vessel was not carrying any fuel and there was no danger of marine pollution in the area.
