950806

Likely hazard averted

MSA tows away

3 containers

from open sea

KARACHI: The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Friday averted a potential sea hazard to small boats, oil and other cargo vessels, by towing three large containers bobbing on the choppy seas, some 50 nautical miles west of Karachi after a hectic 36 hours struggle.

Lieutenant, F U Bari of MSA told APP on Sunday that two surveillance aircraft of the MSA during their routine flight spotted three containers floating on the rough seas and informed their headquarters.

On receiving the reports, two MSA corvettes rushed to the site but could not locate the containers because of poor visibility and exceptionally rough sea. However, with the help of MSA surveillance aircraft, these containers were located.

MSA utilised the serives of its divers who, after a great struggle and risking their lives, brought back three massive containers to the Karachi harbour.

Two MSA ships, two aircraft and more than 150 men participated in the operation which lasted more than 36 hours in the high and rough sea.

These containers were lying on the route taken by merchant vessels between Karachi and Persian Gulf within Pakistan Navy's exercise area in the Arabian Sea.

Lt Bari said that continued presence of these containers could have been catastrophic for surface ships, specially during night time.

Meanwhile, MSA has also circulated the information to all shipping companies in the area to watch out for any more partially submerged containers.

He said MSA's timely action averted a major accident on the open sea. He said these containers are now lying at a jetty in West Wharf area and port authorities will investigate the case.-APP