Capsized Singaporean ship breaks into two

Karwar, Karnataka, June 3 (UNI) The cargo ship 'Ocean Sarai', which hit an oyster rock after being hit by a gale following the onset of monsoon on Tuesday last, has broken into two after it ran aground, causing an oil slick.

One of the five diesel tanks of the 238-m-long ship, which was headed towards this port town to carry back iron ore, had given way and slick had polluted the sea and the beach near here. The slick was moving northwards and fishermen had been advised not to fish in the area. Samples of sea water and sand had been sent to the Marine Biology Institute here.

Deputy Commissioner Ritesh Kumar Singh said today that teams from the Coast Guard and Indian Navy, had arrived at the site and diesel from the remaining oil tanks, which was intact, would be unloaded tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a top official from the shipping company arrived here today to find ways to salvage the ill-fated vessel. The Karnataka Pollution Control Board had slapped a notice on the company.

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