Update: Oil Spills from Ruptured Tanker

India has deployed its Coast Guard teams to respond to and monitor an oil spill which occurred after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier BW Maple and the oil tanker Dawn Kanchipuram collided near Ennore’s Kamarajar Port.

The oil tanker, which was carrying 32,813 tonnes of petroleum, oils and lubricants, suffered a rupture which led to an engine oil spill in the early morning hours on January 28.

Kamarajar Port authorities deployed an oil boom around the vessel after bringing it to a safe location to contain seepage, however, no further seepage was discovered.

The situation had been closely monitored by port officials from the time of the accident and the required assistance was rendered to both vessels, according to the Indian Ministry of Shipping.

As the tanker was carrying a large amount of cargo, the authorities decided to berth the ship and discharge its load to prevent any environmental damage.

Additionally, the coast guard deployed its ships and helicopters to survey and monitor the oil spill. As soon as the oil leak was tracked, the coast guard started mobilizing equipment and manpower for clean-up at various locations.

The government informed that the entire clean up operation could be completed in a couple of days.