Asian Forest Oil removal operation commences today

Asian Forest Oil removal operation commences today

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 29: Wan Yet Fong, the assistant salvage master of Smit Singapore Ltd, said at a press conference organized in the DC’s office on Dec 29, Tuesday that the work of removing the oil from the sunken ship Asian Forest will begin today. 



DC V Ponnuraj said that Coast Karnataka and Karnataka Government have agreed to remove the oil in 3 different phases. He said that, although the ship sank on July 17 and only 15 days were enough to clear the wreck, the job had been put off for nearly six months. 

In response to the DC’s queries, Fong said that around 2000 chemicals are required to test and remove the oil spilled in the water. He assured that the entire operation will be completed within 30 - 35 days. The salvage team also proposes to use the Hot Tap system along with the oil removal equipment, he informed. 

The immediate removal of the oil is essential in order to avoid ecological disaster. Besides, the wreck must also be removed from the sea, said the DC. He also suggested that the Smit team, which has signed a contract with Kethan Mechanical Works, must take up the responsibility to make definite plans for the removal of the wreck instead of waiting for orders. 

The DC also said that some people think that the crew of Asian Forest has been arrested. However, the crew has only been kept in a safe place. Eleven of them were released on humanitarian grounds and later, on Dec 28, Monday, another member was released because of his poor health, said the DC.