Probe report on damage to Ark Deck Bar likely today

Mumbai: A probe report on the damage caused to the floatel Ark Deck Bar, which sank on Friday, will be out on Monday as per operators of the floatel even as they maintained that there is no chance of oil spillage or release of waste due to the sinking, as all the waste and chemicals were taken out before the transportation of the boat. They have also maintained that all the permissions for the boat were in place. A Singapore-based salvage company, Smit Salver, that was hired to salvage the floatel on Friday could not perform the task due to rough weather on Sunday and will be attempting again on Monday.

The floatel sank near the Bandra-Worli Sealink at 1.30 pm on Friday, after its anchor scraped against rocks, which caused it to tilt. The situation was compounded by windy weather, which caused the boat to move backwards and collide into rocks, tearing open a hole. Up to 15 members of the crew were rescued, as they had used a lifeboat to come ashore. The boat was not in operation at the time of the incident.

“We will get to know about the clear picture about the damage done to the boat. As the sea was rough, the rescue group of the salvage company could not get into the water, although they took a recce of the site. They are waiting for the tide now and four divers will go again on Monday morning,” said Kookie Singh, partner at Ark Deck Bar.

Operators of the boat have also maintained that all the permissions for operating the floatel were in place. “We have all the required licences and permissions required for the floatel. Some people are trying to spread rumours that we were operating illegally, but we have a no-objection certificate from the police, traffic and maritime board.  Also, there are no chances of oil spillage from the accident, as we had taken oil and waste from the vessel before starting moving to Mazagaon.  The MMB has also identified that,” added Mr Singh.  Meanwhile, marine activist Pradip Patade stated that damage to marine life due to the incident was unlikely. “We can only determine the damage if there has been an oil or chemical spillage,” the activist said.