A team of scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is gearing up to study the mysterious explosions reported on three days off Nivati beach between Malvan and Vengurla in Maharashtra. The explosions were heard on April 7, 18 and 26, but the lastest episode was more powerful and caused greater panic among coastal dwellers. While the possibility of the explosions being caused by defence exercises has been ruled out by authorities, blast fishing by fishermen as a factor is being examined. “There is a possibility of a micro earthquake or tremor,” an NIO scientist said. If it is a minor tremor, it may go unrecorded and NIO scientists are planning to mobilize a survey to determine if there was any disturbance on the seabed. “We have echo sounders and other equipment to check up to 200m if the seabed is elevated, depressed or fractured or depressed due to some seismic activity,” the scientist said. Locals had given the NIO team contradictory statements about the source of the sound with fishermen in their vessels stating that they heard the sounds coming from land, while coastal dwellers pointed to the sea. The National Institute of Oceanography team is likely to ask authorities to locate a seismic station nearby to record any future events.
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