100 tonnes of fuel in MV Rak Carrier sparks oil spill scare

The Panama-flagged bulk carrier, MV Rak Carrier, was carrying 60,000 metric tonnes of coal in its holds. Experts feel that though the coal may not cause environmental problems, the fuel that the ship was carrying is a huge cause of concern.

Coast Guard officials confirmed that the ship has around 100 tonne of fuel oil in its tank. Though the ship sank due to damage to its front hold, the exact reason for its sinking is yet to be known.
The ship had touched the sea bottom by Thursday afternoon. The coal cargo is not likely to float so there is no fear of coal drifting to the coast, experts say.

It is the fuel oil which is making maritime agencies nervous. “There is around 100 tonne of fuel oil in the ship’s tank. Though there is no immediate fear of an oil spill or pollution due to the vessel, things will get dangerous if the tank is ruptured,” said a senior Coast Guard officer.

He added: “We have stationed our pollution control vessel, Samudra Prahari, near the spot where the ship has sunk, and oil containment, if there is indeed a spill, will be carried out immediately.”

An oil spill will not only adversely impact marine biology along the coast, but will also affect the navigational channel of the Mumbai harbour.