This story is from April 26, 2016

Towing grounded pontoon likely to be delayed

The towing of the grounded pontoon, 'Bhagirath', from Arossim beach, is likely to be delayed as the removal of the tug boat stuck nearby has become a priority under the circumstances, sources said.
Towing grounded pontoon likely to be delayed
Panaji: The towing of the grounded pontoon, 'Bhagirath', from Arossim beach, is likely to be delayed as the removal of the tug boat stuck nearby has become a priority under the circumstances, sources said.
The pontoon, used for a beach party, has been grounded at Arossim for about a week and agitated fishermen, watersports operators and tourism stakeholders have urged authorities to tow it away before it causes any ecological damage.

While the ports administration department was working out a strategy to tow away the pontoon, a small tug used by the company for the purpose also ran aground at the spot on Sunday.
"The tug has to be removed using another smaller tug," MPT chairman I Jaykumar, said on Monday.
Arihant Ship Breakers (ASB) held talks with MPT officials after the port trust issued a notice to the company on Monday seeking an action plan for the removal of the pontoon.
"We have assured them of providing any assistance that can be given from our side," Jayakumar said.
If the company fails to comply with the notice, it will face action under the provisions of India Ports Act, 1908.
Both MPT and ports administration department have categorically stated that they had not approved the anchoring of the pontoon at Arossim for the beach event.

The ship-breaking firm had tried to tow away the vessel with a low-powered tug, but sources said a tug with a higher capacity is needed to extricate the pontoon embedded in the sand.
The towing of the small tug is considered a priority, as it may cause pollution. "The fuel has been removed from the vessel, but as it has lot of grease, it should be pulled away from the beach first," a source said.
The pontoon is a floating platform without an engine and oil, but it has turned into an eyesore on the beach.
During talks with MPT officials, company representatives tentatively discussed a plan to remove the pontoon, but said the tug would be taken away first.
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