KOCHI: The Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has slapped a notice on State Fisheries Department claiming Rs 1.42 crore for the loss caused to it due to the sinking of the fishing vessel 'Neethiman' in the shipping channel off Kochi on September 19. The letter sent by Deputy Conservator, CPT, and addressed to the Deputy Director of Fisheries held Department of Fisheries and its Marine Enforcement Wing fully responsible for the incident and consequential loss to the port and asked to pay the sum within 15 days of receipt of the notice. A spokesperson of the CPT told DC on Tuesday that failing this, the department will face legal proceedings.
The letter noted that as per the request of the department, the fishing vessel which sank during its illegal entry into harbor in damaged condition without prior permission from the port control, was salvaged by the port. The salvaged team was engaged at a cost of Rs 29.5 lakh. It further said that five marine container vessels were diverted from Cochin Port to other ports causing commercial loss to the tune of Rs 1.12 crore to the port. Moreover question mark has been raised from various international forum and trade regarding safety and security of Cochin Port especially with compliance to ISPS code and its commercial reputation affected in international port and shipping industry. Hence the demand for the damages.
The fresh demand surfaces amid complaints that CPT has removed wreckage of 'Neetiman' to waters near Vypeen boat jetty, posing threat to fishing and passenger boats. The Port Trust entrusted 'M/s Lots Shipping' for the job on September 21 noon. However, inclement weather and the fact that the vessel was corroded made the job tough. Finally after 11 days, the wreckage was removed from the shipping channel.
The CPT spokesperson told DC on Tuesday that the wreckage of the fishing boat was disposed of near the Vypeen boat jetty without affecting the movement of other boats or posing risk to them. The steel fishing vessel sank in the shipping channel between Vypeen and Fort Kochi while being towed into the harbor from outer sea where its engine conked out. Initially the Fisheries Department attempted to remove the wreckage but failed.
