The salvage operations of the beached vessel MT Pratibha Cauvery will commence on Tuesday due to the delayed arrival of the tug, ‘Malaviya,’ from Kakinada.
Initially, it was decided to commence the operations on Monday and complete it in three days.
According to official sources, the delay is attributed to a host of factors such as loading of tow ropes, diving and gearing devices on to the tug. These materials are essential for the operations. As of Sunday evening, the tug was still at Kakinada.
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Another emergency tug vessel, SCI Ratna, being sent by Directorate General of Shipping, would arrive on Wednesday.
The stranded vessel has very little diesel oil and 357 tonnes of furnace oil. It has been decided not to move the furnace oil to a higher tank as it would be difficult for the barge with the necessary equipment to reach the vessel. Also, a portion of water in the ballast tank would either be shifted or removed to make it easier for the vessel to become afloat so that it can be moved from its current location.
Efforts were on to recover the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), documents and log records that were on board. The VDR would provide vital details about the conversations that took place between the master of the ship, Chennai Port Trust officials and others on the fateful day, another official said.
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The vessel would be docked at the Chennai Port Trust after salvation.