ICS asks Malaysian ship company to take steps to stop oil

Apprehensive of possible spillage from the Malaysian ship anchored near Chilika lake off Odisha coast, Indian Coast Guard has asked the concerned company to take measures to prevent oil pollution in the area.

In a letter to Gimhwak Enterprises SDN BHD, Malaysia, the ICG said the ship with 30,000 litre of diesel, 1,000 litre of lube oil and 200 litre of hydraulic oil has been anchored near Chilika.

The ICH also pointed out that spillage of oil from the vessel cannot be "ruled out" and asked the company to take action on priority basis either through a local agent or any other professional salvor.

Non-compliance would entail action under sections of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, the letter said.

"Brought to your notice that the oil onboard standard around vessel is a threat to the eco-sensitive coastal zone off Chilika lake and Odisha coast, especially during ongoing south west monsoon," said the letter, a copy of which was also sent to the Odisha government.

The Malaysian cargo ship which was heading towards Visakhapatnam, had drifted towards the Odisha coast due to a storm in the Bay of Bengal last week.

The ship has been anchored near Rajhans island close to Chilika lake under Krushnaprasad police limits in Puri district since then.