Ship mishap averted near Mangalore Port

Mangalore, July 16 (UNI) Another major tragedy, similar to this month's M V Den Den capsize near Mangalore Coast, was averted due to timely action of the captain of a cargo ship.

According to sources at New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), Karachi-based cargo vessel 'Makran' which left the New Mangalore Port berth yesterday after loading iron ore, developed steering problem which was detected by the the vessel's captain.

Sensing the problem, the captain immediately sought suggestions from the Deputy Conservator of the Port K V Vaswani who advised hi to return to the port.

As the vessel had not gone far from the port, it was tugged back to the berth.

Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) which would look into the steering problem would make appropriate suggestion, the sources added.

Meanwhile, preliminary arrangements for the salvage of the sunken ship M V Den Den had begun with marine equipment, including diving gears, large marine pumps, pipeline, battery backups, excavators generators and electronic gadgets being kept ready in two special containers at Tannirbavi Beach near the port.

According to sources, the operation of extracting 140 tonne of furnace oil and 1500 litre of marine fuel from the sunken vessel would be done by 'Hot tap method'.

Den Den is lying on its side since June 23 at Tannirbavi Beach.

The salvaging work would begin soon after weather condition returned to normal.

UNI