Two tugs to be used for July 3 salvage operation of MV Wisdom:

MUMBAI: Authorities will attempt to salvage the cargo ship MV Wisdom on July 3 when high tide is anticipated at 4.58 m. Attempts to get the vessel afloat on Sunday were called off when the lead tug boat in the towing operation developed an engine failure. After two unsuccessful tries, salvagers will be taking no chances on July 3, and are planning to use two tug boats of 90-tonne pull capacity to refloat the 9,000 deadweight tonne MV Wisdom.

An official from the Director General of Shipping said: "The tide level of 4.58 m will be enough to help us haul and refloat the boat. To get it afloat, the water level should be above the draft of the vessel, which is approximately 4 m."The ship will have to be taken 3.5 nautical miles into the sea before it can be safely towed to one of the many anchorage points along the city's coastline. The vessel will be allowed to reach its final destination in Gujarat, only after the approval of the Director General of Shipping.

Sources involved in the salvage operation blamed Sunday's unsuccessful attempt on the coast's muddy waters. "The engines probably got clogged because of rash and mud. Salvagers called off the operation. We did not want to be in a situation where we had to plan the rescue of two vessels," said a source. Salvagers are confident that the next attempt will be successful as the ship is not stuck between rocks.

In 1996, the MV Zhen Don had drifted along Bandra's coast at Carter Road. There were plans to convert it into a hotel, but residents objected and moved court. It was towed away two years later.

Source: The Times of India. By Manthan K Mehta. 21 June 2011

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Two-tugs-to-be-used-for-July-3-salvage-op/articleshow/8932963.cms