Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (SP)
Kaup, May 18: An operation to rescue a tug which drowned in the sea near New Mangalore Port Trust and then was found in a capsized state on the seashore at Kadipatna, Padubidri, got underway on Tuesday May 18. The operation to lift the Alliance tug, belonging to a Gujarat based company, was not undertaken on Monday due to bad climate. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) is following up and ensuring that the salvaging operation is completed.
Out of the eight occupants of the tug, three had saved their lives with the help of life jacket. Two have died. There is no clear information whether the remaining three have got stuck inside the cabin or were washed away due to the force of the sea waves. Those who survived say that two among them were sleeping inside the cabin when tragedy struck.
The three missing people are chief officer Ashfaq Ali Khalpe, seaman driver Mainuddin Haqa S K, and diver Pawan Chand Katoch.
Before undertaking the operation, the tug will be secured with iron ropes so that it does not shift from the current position. After that the tug will be either lifted or an attempt to turn it into erect position will be undertaken, it is learnt, and M/s Underwater Services Company Ltd has already given the work on contract to Yojak company.