Chinese merchant vessel stabilised

Mangalore, Sep 8 (UNI) Chinese merchant vessel Cheng Le Men loaded with iron ore fines which ran aground, about 1400 m off Tannirbavi Coast near Old Mangalore Port at 16 degrees, was today stabilised in the same condition.

The eight member expert team from Holland based salvaging company Svitzer began their operation. They also entered the ship today.

A top official from the Old Mangalore Port told UNI that the condition of the ship was stable and all 28 crew members were safe.

However, the salvage operation of the ship would take another few days as the additional manpower and required equipments were yet to arrive here from Mumbai.

The team felt that once the ship was stabilised, then other operations like opening the hatch and removal of water and unloading cargo could be thought of.

The port officer Mohan Balkundri said two service tugs and boats were kept ready for the stabilisation process.

(Ed: pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI