NMPT takes precautionary measure at shipwreck site

Mangalore, June 26 (UNI) In view of the possible oil spill from the capsized South African ship, 'M V Den Den' near here, the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) officials, police and fire services have taken up precautionary measures to avert pollution of the sea.

The officials were camping at the site at Tannirbavi.

However, according to experts and officials from the Pollution Control Board (PCB), there had been no leak of diesel or lubricants from the Eritrea-registered ship that ran aground and capsized in the violent sea on June 23.

The ship, carrying 8,000 tonnes of furnace slag to the UAE coast from New Mangalore Port, left the port on June 22, but was anchored due to engine problem. The vessel capsized the next day due to gusty winds and high tidal waves accompanied by heavy rain.

Despite the change in colour of water with kerosene odour near the shore, experts who collected samples from the site said it did not show any large oil spill from the ship.

Furnace slag was a harmless cargo-used addictive for laying tarmacs, the experts said, adding that there was no leakage of oil meant to run the vessel or lubricants. However, the possibility of an oil spill could not be ruled out.

Meanwhile, Eritrian Ambassador to India, Gabriel Tassin, arrived in the city yesterday and visited the hospitals where the 21 crew members, rescued from the ship by local fishermen, were recovering.

The envoy assured safe return to all crew members at the earliest.

Police said a shipping agency in Mangalore had taken contract of the ship along with the responsibility of making all arrangements of sending the crew to their respective nations.

Three of the 21 sailors admitted to A J Hospital on June 23 -- Ahmed Mohommed (55) from Sudan, Chisty (34) and Ifran (29), both of African origin -- were recovering fast. Others have been admitted to NMPT hospital and Jyothi University Medical Hospital and were out of danger.

The State Government had asked Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar, who took charge yesterday, to submit a detailed report on the entire incident.

UNI