Post Ennore, fresh oil spill at Kamarajar Port

The mishap occurred while discharging Furnace Fuel oil (FFO) (thick oil) through a flexible hose. The crew noticed that the hose was snapped from the berth side which resulted in the spill. Subsequently, the discharge of cargo was stopped by operating the emergency control button.

Two Coast Guard Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) with the Pollution Response equipment were deployed at the Ennoreport as a first responder soon after the oil spill.

The FPV was stationed to assess and guide the port authorities for the use of appropriate spill response strategy. In addition, an aerial survey was conducted by the ICG to assess the surface of the spillage. Coast Guard officials said the emergency response mechanism was immediately activated and all agencies swung into action to mitigate the situation.

After observations, it was concluded that the spillage was confined within the break water area of the port which is fenced with a fence boom where the team ring fenced the oil slick and deployed a skimmer to suck out the oil sludge layer off the surface of water. The absorbent pads were also utilised to recover the spilled fuel oil, a CG release stated.

To augment the Pollution Response efforts, a dedicated Coast Guard Pollution ControlVessel ICGS Samudra Paheredar is being mobilised from Visakhapatnam.

The ICG was involved in patrol efforts since November 9 in the wake of the Cyclone Gaja to rescue stranded fishermen and their boats in the sea to the safety. Subsequently, the patrol efforts were terminated on Saturday. The CMD, KPL and Senior officers from Kamarajar Portand Chennai Port Trust, Indian Coast Guard also visited the spot.