Chennai, November 18: A tanker named MT Coral Stars which anchored at the Kamarajar Port in Ennore near Chennai suffered an oil spill. The Indian Coast Guard and the port authorities informed it occurred in the early hours of the day. Patrolling vessels were sent to the spot to access the situation and intensity of the oil spill. An official statement from the Kamarajar Port is yet to arrive. Pakistan Works to Contain Oil Spill Near Karachi. 

The spill took place at around 5.30 am this morning within the port limits of Ennore. A Pollution response Vessel was also sent from Vishakapatanam. As informed by one of the authorities to ET, the spillage was under one tonne but a clearer idea will only come after the final report from the port. ."We may get an exact estimate once the two ships we have sent there get back with information," said the official in the same report. But the port chairman said it could also be around two tonnes. Navy Conducts Exercise in Western Offshore Development Area For Oil Spill Control.  

Check the Press Note Regarding Oil Spill at Kamarajar Port in Chennai

Regarding the damage to the water, it is said that the oil spill is confined to the breakwaters of the port. The fence boom was activated immediately and the entire recovery could take about a day. An investigation will be done to know the exact cause behind the spillage. The Director General of Shipping Dr Malini V Shankar was quoted to Indian Express, "The leak happened at the port side and it is being contained along the breakwaters. An investigation is on whether it is due to equipment failure or callousness of the ship." An aerial survey of the area was also conducted and the recovery process is in effect.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2018 07:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).