Wednesday, March 23 2005 13:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: A barge collided with a big ship at 3.7 nautical miles from Aguada Coast, near Panaji, resulting in oil spillage of 110 metric tonnes in the Arabian Sea off Goa shores in the wee hours today (Mar 23, 2005).

However, no casualties were reported in the incident that occurred at 01:00 hrs (IST) this morning, official sources said adding that the oil spillage is likely to create environmental hazard in the surrounding area.

"The oil leak was plugged at 4.00 hrs (IST) by Coast Guard and no further oil is getting spilled in the sea," chairman of Goa Pollution Control Board Dr L U Joshi said.

"Coast Guard has launched helicopter service for aerial survey and assessment of damage is being done. Coast Guard has also obtained two Donier aircraft from Daman loaded with oil dispersants, which would be sprayed on the oil spill," he said.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Secretary is scheduled to meet concerned officers later in the day regarding the spillage.