Chennai, Nov.9 (ANI): Pratibha Cauvery, the vessel that ran aground off the Chennai coast during Cyclone Nilam, has been attracting hundreds of people.
The vessel ran aground on the south east coast on October 31.
The ship, which drifted following heavy winds, is currently at the Besant Nagar Beach in South Chennai and was carrying two tonnes of light diesel oil and 355 tonnes of furnace oil.
Out of the 37 members, 32 were rescued but five went missing. One sailor was pronounced dead.
Locals said the ship has become an attraction for the tourists.
"Because of cyclone, the ship has come to the shore and most of the people are coming here to marina to watch the ship. Now, it has become a tourist spot for people in Chennai," said a local, Joseph.
The Chairman of Chennai Port Trust, Atulya Mishra said they are trying to pull the ship without causing any damage as it may pollute the sea water.
"Tug 'Malaviya' has been brought from Kakinada and it is trying to pull under the direction of the salvage master. Salvages are smit and they are international salvage masters, so they are trying to do it. So, we are just waiting for the high tide, if it by chance doesn't work today then they will again try it in the morning. So, this is a trial and error, they keep different directions and whichever direction where it can be pulled without causing damage to the ship, they try to do it," said Mishra.
Rows of fishing trawlers and fishermen returned to their boats along with the nets to venture out to the seas.
The vessel would be docked at the Chennai Port Trust after salvation.
The Indian Ocean usually sees about five cyclones a year, about 5-6 percent of all cyclones, with October-November and May-June seeing the most severe ones.
Chennai handled just over 27 million tonnes of traffic in April-September, according to the Shipping ministry. (ANI)
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