While the Maharashtra Government is warding off panic related to an oil spill on Juhu beach on Sunday, the Coast Ship Samudra Prahari has been neutralizing oil from the sunken vessel MV Rak Carrier which is leaking at an approximate rate of 1.5 to2 tonnes per hour. Oil spill dispersants were used as part of Operation ‘Paryavaran Suraksha -- 2/2011' which was launched by the Coast Guard, according to an official statement.

An aerial reconnaissance on Sunday morning indicated the spread of oil up to seven nautical miles from the sunken vessel. Coast Guard has pressed another vessel ICGS Sankalp to assist in containing oil spill in the area. The coastal authorities have been advised to maintain strict vigil and be prepared for any contingency. State authorities have also been advised to direct fishermen to stay away from the affected area.

Ever since the sinking of MV Rak Carrier, fears of an oil spill have been voiced. Oil was seen leaking from it on Saturday. A State government release said that it has taken immediate steps after oil spill on the Juhu coast was reported. The Commissioner of Fisheries has been alerted to issue an advisory to fishermen not to venture into the area where MV Rak Carrier had sunk, over 20 nautical miles off Mumbai.

While there is an effective ban on fishing activities up to August 15, however, as a precaution, the advisory has been issued. The Municipal Corporation has been directed to alert the shore clean up team in coordination with the Coast Guard and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

MV Rak Carrier had about 290 tonnes of furnace oil and 50 tonnes of fuel oil apart from 60,000 tonnes of coal and the ship sank over 20 nautical miles from the coast. The MPCB has deputed teams to take water samples and to identify the oil content and the source. The ship MV Pavit is also docked on Juhu beach for the last few days.