Bid to salvage M T Pratibha Cauvery ends in failure

Salvagers likely to de-ballast the vessel to keep it afloat

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The bid to salvage stranded ship M T Pratibha Cauvery by 133 tonne Bollard pull Malviya 21 ended in a failure on Thursday as the Polypropylene rope snapped while the vessel was being tugged.

The salvaging operations which began around 1.30pm in anticipation of the high tide at 3.52 pm so that the ship could be hauled by using Malviya 21 was watered down when the rope gave away.

Mercantile Marine Department officials said that the next step would be to use the emergency tow vessel SCI Ratna, which is anchored outside Chennai Port, along with Maviya 21 to tug the vessel.

The next attempt is likely to be made around 3 am on Friday in anticipation of high tide around 4.30am. Interestingly, there would be two high tides tomorrow. One at around 4.30 am and other at around 4.59 pm giving the port authorities ample time to prepare their strategy.

It is believed the salvagers are likely to deballast the ship, a process where the ship water is taken out to reduce the weight of the vessel. Once the weight of the ship is reduced it is easier for both Malviya 21 and SCI Ratna to haul the ship.

Experts feel once the deballasting is done, the salvagers should ensure that the propellor of the ship lies in water. Interestingly, to de-ballast the ship, the salvagers have to operate the generator to use the ballast pumps. Salvagers from SMIT said they have adequate oil to run the generator.

Port officials also said in case this bid also fails then the sand around the ship is to be removed which would be a challenging task. However, the ship is expected to be hauled by tomorrow.

Another challenge is where the ship would be berthed. It is likely the director general of shipping may recommend it to L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard cum Captive Port Complex in Ennore so that it can be repaired there. But sources say Kattupulli officials are not that keen to have the ship and are seeking guarantee for the payment for repairs and berthing. It is yet to be seen where the ship is likely to be anchored after being towed.