A day after Tug JIN HWA 32, a Malaysian cargo vessel that ran aground in the Chilika on August 9, toppled in the lake, the process for removal of oil from the ship began on Wednesday.
“The oil removal process began today and might take three to four days for completion. After complete removal of the oil, the vessel will be shifted from the shore,” said Commerce & Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera.
There is no danger to the ecosystem of the lake as the ship’s engine is safe and no leakage of oil has been reported so far, the Minister added.
Earlier, the Puri district administration had initiated talks with the vessel’s owner regarding removal of oil from the ship since the Coast Guard had raised concern over possible spill of oil.
