Problems & solutions

Channel mapping
The Navy is mapping the channel between the ports for the extent of containers and oil spill damage and will submit a report to JNPT Wednesday,Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said after meeting senior Coast Guard officials. “If these channels do not clear by Sunday,there may be problems in supply of petroleum products to the city,” said Chavan. He has urged various authorities to list the containers on the ships and publicise the details so that residents along the coastline would be forewarned. The ship that tilted has 31 containers with hazardous material. Chavan will hold another review meeting on Friday.

Salvage job
Singapore-based GM Salvage Asia Smit began salvaging containers from MSC Chitra Tuesday. The Coast Guard has sprayed 3,000 litres of oil dispersant on the region. The salvage operation is headed by Captain Eric JB Kraan. A floating crane,two tugs,and air bags have been used to pick up 25 drifting containers so far and tow them to coast. An accommodation barge has been brought close to the merchant vessel to ensure the containers still tied to deck do not fall and clog the navigational channel. The Director General of Shipping said the operation will also “correct the listing which currently is stable around 75°.” A joint control room has been set up near the Green Gate at Mumbai Port Trust,with the harbourmaster given the task of mapping container locations. The second phase of salvage from August 13 will see pumping out of the remaining oil and draining the ship,which has an estimated 2,662 metric tonnes furnace oil,283.2 tonnes diesel oil and 88,000 litres lube oil.

Collision probe
The police have questioned the captains of both ships. “They have given similar versions,each saying the other came in the way. Only the log and the navigational records will give the right picture,” said a police official. Maritime rules require ships always be on the right of the sail route,with priority given to the turning ship.

The Mumbai Port Trust has given the VTMS data; the police are yet to read the information as it requires specific software. “We have now asked them to make that software available,” the official said.