Custom authorities inspect 'Blue Lady', anchored near Guj port

Rajkot, July 4 (UNI) Custom authorities inspected the Malaysian cruise liner 'Blue Lady', anchored near Pipawav port in Amreli district since June 30, Haryana Ship Demolition Company owner Rajiv Reniwal, who has purchased the ship, said today.

''Custom authorities have completed their routine checking and now the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Officials have to inspect the cruise liner,'' Mr Reniwal told UNI and added that they would start their work in a day or two.

He said if the safety clearance is granted, the ship will be taken to the Alang ship-breaking yard to be beached and then dismantled.

The ship's move to Alang depended on how long the authorities take to give clearance to ship as per the directions of the Supereme Court, he added.

The 315-meter long, 46,000 tonne ship has been anchored near Pipawav Port despite protests from environmentalists who say the ship carries toxic asbestos materials which is hazardous to health.

The Supreme Court has directed that the ship cannot be beached or dismantled unless it is properly examined by an expert agency.

Earlier, French aircraft carrier Le Clemenceau was mired in controversy and forced to return following the Superme Court Ruling.

Greenpeace activists had protested against the ship having toxic substances such as asbestos and other toxic chemicals.

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