New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has issued an official clarification regarding the tragic boat capsize incident that occurred near Asarsa village, located along the Jambusar coast in Bharuch district, Gujarat. The state-owned oil giant confirmed that none of the individuals involved in the incident were its employees and clarified that ONGC was neither responsible for the operation nor supervision of the vessel in question.
The boat capsized earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the local community and attracting significant attention. Reports indicated that the vessel, which was carrying personnel engaged in a survey assignment, went down unexpectedly, causing concern and confusion among the public. ONGC’s statement seeks to address and alleviate any misconceptions regarding its involvement in the incident.
ONGC Responds to Misunderstandings
ONGC expressed deep concern over the incident and extended its condolences to those affected. The company emphasized that it had no direct link to the vessel’s operation, adding that the personnel aboard the boat were not ONGC employees.
Asian Energy Services Ltd. (AESL), an independent energy services provider, was the entity responsible for employing the crew and managing the vessel. AESL, which specializes in providing seismic and related services to the energy sector, was engaged in conducting a survey assignment at the time of the incident.
ONGC clarified that the survey activities being conducted by AESL were part of a broader effort to support its operational goals, but the company had no direct role in the specific boat operation or personnel management on the day of the incident.
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Details of the Boat Capsize
According to information provided by the district administration, the boat capsized within seconds due to sudden and strong tidal currents that unexpectedly overwhelmed the vessel. The strong and unpredictable nature of these currents in the coastal region has been cited as the primary cause of the incident, which took place during a survey operation near the Jambusar coastline.
Local authorities, along with rescue teams, were immediately mobilized to assist with recovery operations, and an investigation into the cause of the boat’s rapid capsizing is underway. At this stage, no ONGC employees are reported to have been involved in the incident, and the company has pledged its full support to the investigation being carried out by the local administration.
Asian Energy Services Ltd. Involved in the Operation
Asian Energy Services Ltd. (AESL) has been identified as the service provider handling the survey assignment. AESL is an independent company specializing in energy services, including seismic surveys and related assignments for multiple clients across the energy sector.
AESL’s work often involves offshore operations where personnel conduct critical surveys for oil and gas exploration, and while the company follows strict safety protocols, it acknowledged that the boat’s capsize was due to the unforeseen strength of the tidal currents.
AESL has expressed its commitment to supporting the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts while cooperating fully with the local authorities.
ONGC’s Commitment to Safety and Operational Integrity
ONGC has reiterated its commitment to safety and operational integrity in all its projects, stressing that the incident near Jambusar does not reflect any failure in its operational protocols. The company regularly works with various service providers, including AESL, for specialized tasks like seismic surveys, but operations such as vessel management and personnel deployment are always handled by the respective service providers.
Ongoing Investigations
As the investigation into the boat capsizing incident continues, ONGC has called for a thorough review of the situation by the local authorities to ascertain the exact cause of the tragedy. The company extended its condolences to the families of those affected and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in all its operations.
About ONGC:
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is a public sector oil and gas company and one of the largest integrated energy companies in India. ONGC is involved in the exploration, production, and marketing of oil and natural gas, and its operations span across onshore and offshore fields. The company has a strong track record of excellence in energy exploration and a long-standing commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
