Ark Deck Bar, the floatel which had tilted in the water near Bandra on Friday, remained in the water on Saturday as it could not be towed away due to rough sea conditions.
The floatel, which had suspended its operation for the duration of the monsoon, started tilting while on its way to Bhaucha Dhakka on Friday afternoon after its hull ruptured. The 15 crew members aboard were rescued with the help of the police and local fishermen, and no casualties were reported.
Captain Harish Khatri, nautical advisor of the Maharashta Maritime Board (MMB), said, “We had planned to take the vessel to the dock on Saturday. However, the weather conditions were not conducive and hence the operation wad called off.”
Captain Khatri said a salvage team will visit the site on Sunday morning and inspect the floatel, after which it will be taken to the dock, weather conditions permitting.
The MMB plans to either plug the leak in the hull and take the vessel to the dock or tow it away if plugging the leak is not possible. The vessel will later undergo a detailed assessment so that the damage can be estimated, officials said.
An inquiry will also be conducted to identify the reason for the rupture, and to ascertain if all safety measures were undertaken. The further course of action will be decided once the inquiry is complete, said sources.
