Miramar (Goa) Tension mounts as the grounded M V Lucky 7 off shore casino vessel is further sinking with size of its bottom hole increasing. This has prompted casino firm Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd to opt for another salvor. The company has written to Madgavkar Salvage Private Limited to send their quotation for the salvage operation.
“Yes, GGHPL has asked us to quote for the salvage operation,” director of the Goa firm Anand Madgavkar said.
Controversial ex-minister from Haryana Gopal Kanda’s firm had adamantly got into River Mandovi defying the advisory by Captain of Ports department that it would be risky to float the vessel before September 15. Citing that it had paid nearly Rs 50 crore dues to the government followed by high court’s direction that vessel was allowed in the River – that already has five operational and one non-operational off shore casinos, GGHPL left Mormugao Port Trust dockyard to Panaji on July 13. The vessel was initially stuck on the sand bar near Aguada bay for three days after which it drifted towards Miramar beach. It remains grounded since then. Goa government then asked the company to remove the vessel at the earliest after which it entered into a contract with Arihant Ship Breakers. The Mumbai salvor carried out repair works making it ready to refloat it to Jaigad dockyard for major repairs. However bad weather and invaluable tide delayed plans. Earlier this month Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar confirms gushing hole beneath the vessel. This hole has now widened and waters have entered into the vessel.
The North Collectorate has now asked the owner of the vessel to tow it within 30 days as it’s presence is a potential threat to human lives and ecology.
Kanda has denied any damage to the environment.
Team TNV