New Delhi: July 15, 2004

Rajya Sabha

Several cases of sinking of ships have been reported from Sandheads of Bay of Bengal. Since 1998, seven cases have been reported out of which two pertain to sinking and five to vessels running aground.

Vessels have run aground near shipping routes, yet they do not pose any immediate threat to navigation. However, to ensure removal of such wrecks in future, Kolkata Port is insisting that ships which call at the port are covered under Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance before allowing their entry. Port State Control inspections are now being carried out more vigorously so that entry of substandard ships is avoided. National Oil spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) is in place, with Coast Guard as the National Coordinating Agency, to take care of the environmental and pollution hazards.

This information was given in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply by the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T.R.Baalu.

Press Release: PIB