Heng Tong towed into sea

Two tugs, a crane barge, operational boats and special wenches used in the process


Our Correspondent August 24, 2021
A wheel loader clears the ground near stranded cargo ship MV Heng Tong 77 at Sea View beach in Karachi. PHOTO: REUTERS

The first phase of operation to salvage a stranded container carrier MV Heng Ton was successfully completed on Monday as it she broke free from sand and slipped about 100 meters in the sea.

Two tugs, a crane barge, operational boats and special wenches were used in the process while the process of towing the ship into deep sea will be completed on Tuesday, said Ship Agent Captain Asim Iqbal.

"The engine and the propellors of the ship, MV Heng Tong 77, are in good condition and will be started after she gets into deep water," Iqbal said. He said the vessel was towed into the sea with the help of a tugboat and a cranecarrying boat according to a plan, adding, there will be high-tide at 11:00pm as well as tomorrow and during this time the ship will be towed for another 100 meters.

The ship agent said after arrival of the ship in the deep waters, it will be towed directly with the tug and will be taken to the berth one day after refloating. Asim said both the engines of the ship were started and both of its propellers were working fine which will be used in refloating and taking the ship to the berth.

The Adviser to the Ministry of Coastal Affairs Mehmood Moulvi also visited the site and while talking to media claimed that the ship will be towed into the deep water by tomorrow and it will be kept in the government's custody before it becomes fit for voyage at sea.

He said the ship will be technically examined during its berthing at Karachi Port and will be repaired to make it fit for sea travel. The adviser said Karachi Port will receive charges for anchorage and provision of other facilities whereas a clearance will have to be obtained from the Marine Mercantile Department and until the seaworthy report is issued to the ship, it will not be allowed to leave.

The advisor further said the ship will not be permitted until it was fit to travel and in case it was not fit for travel then it will be sent by towing.

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