Stranded ship stabilized from tilting further

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Mohan Balkundri, the port officer said two service tugs and boats are at attendance in the stabilization operation of the grounded ship.

(Ed: pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI