The rescue operation to free a cargo ship stranded at Karachi’s Sea View was successful on Tuesday after 48 days and the ship was in deep waters now, reported Aaj News.
The ship MV Heng Tong 77 beached at the seaside on July 21 after losing anchors due to rough weather. It had departed Shanghai and was on its way to Istanbul when it got stuck in Karachi, where the crew was meant to change.
According to the report, the ship was pulled with the help of two tug boats and a crane ship and now it was at a distance of more than 2,000 metres into the sea from the beach. The ship would be transferred to the channel tomorrow.
It further said three strong ropes were fastened on the head of the ship for the rescue operation.
In a message on Twitter, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Maritime Affairs Mahmood Moulvi said the ship was taken in the custody of the ministry.
“The media will be briefed further in a press conference held today,” he said.
According to the Aaj News report, talking to media persons Moulvi said this was the first successful rescue operation. Earlier, the ships, which were stuck at seaside, had to be cut into pieces.
He added that the expenses would be borne by the owner of the ship.
Quoting the spokesperson of a local company which conducted the rescue operation, the report stated the company had to bear difficulties due to low water.
The spokesperson, Arif Shaikh, lauded efforts of the crew and tug boats.
After the successful operation, a social media user shared the picture of the rescue team waving good bye to the ship and wrote: "Adios amigo [goodbye friend] until we meet again.”