Kochi:
A Maldivian vessel, being towed to a breaking yard at Azhikkal port in Kannur, sank off Kochi and efforts are on to clear the wreckage from near the coast.
The 70-metre-long vessel, MV Sea Angel, was being taken to Kannur for being dismantled as scrap, when she sank off Kochi waters on July one, a Naval press release said today.
The vessel was being towed by another Maldivian Ship 'MV Morning Star'.
The two ships had embarked on the journey from Male on June 26 for being delivered to Steel Industries Limited Kerala (SILK) breaking yard at Azhikkal Port. However, due to the rough sea and unprofessional towing methods, M V Sea Angel sank at a distance of 6.5 nautical miles off Munambam harbour near Kochi, the release said.
The towing vessel MV Morning Star has been detained and is presently at outer anchorage beyond the port limits, it said.
An FIR under IPC section 280 for negligent navigation by the master of the Maldivian vessel has been lodged by coast guard with Coastal Police at Fort Kochi, the release said.
A Coast guard vessel was dispatched to the site where the vessel sank, which has been identified, and local boats informed of the danger to navigation.
The agents of the vessel have been directed to make arrangements for salvage operations to clear the wreckage from close to the coast. Coast Guard has also requested Cochin Port Trust to provide berthing to the ship for 'casualty investigation' by Mercantile Marine Department, the release added.