Ship narrowly misses sea link, runs aground at Juhu beach

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has launched an inquiry into the incident on Saturday, where an unmanned merchant vessel that was being towed from Colombo to the breaking yard at Gujarat broke free from its tug and was heading for the sea-link.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has launched an inquiry into the incident on Saturday, where an unmanned merchant vessel that was being towed from Colombo to the breaking yard at Gujarat broke free from its tug and was heading for the sea-link.

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However, because of the high tide and strong wind currents, the ship ran aground at the Juhu beach on Sunday afternoon.

Satish Agnihotri, director general of shipping said, "An inquiry is underway but since the ship had no cargo and was on its way to the scrap yard, there is no threat of any pollution."

The vessel, almost of the size of INS Vikrant, attracted the tourists present at the beach.

"The ship reminded us of the sea princess ship that was at Candolim beach in Goa for more than 10 years," said Rishi Desai, a resident of Juhu.

On Saturday, the civic body, DGS, coast guards and the Navy sprung into action after it was reported that a vessel MV Wisdom, which was travelling from Colombo to Alang, developed engine trouble and was being towed by a tug. As a result of bad weather, the tug's rope snapped.

The ship was located four nautical miles west of the sea link in the evening.

Coast Guard officials said their role was limited to rescue operations, and what happens to the ship will be decided by the DGS.