The Pakistan Navy along with other maritime stakeholders has safely completed the defueling process of run aground cargo ship MV Heng Tong-77, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Pakistan Navy spearheaded and coordinated all efforts and rendered assistance to overcome challenges involved in the debunking process thus eliminating risk of marine pollution.

https://twitter.com/dgprPaknavy/status/1420760080044097539

According to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Panama registered MV Heng Tong 77 was anchored in Pakistan's territorial waters off Karachi for a crew change on July 21 when it lost anchors due to rough seas and drifted towards the shore. "By the time the vessel informed KPT of her drifting, it was already in shallow waters," the port authority said in a tweet. The ship is carrying 118 tons of bunker fuel.

With all-out efforts of the Pakistan Navy and other maritime stakeholders the ship has been successfully and safely defueled.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi carried out an aerial visit of MV HENG TONG 77 grounding site at Karachi Clifton Beach to reviewing the defueling process of the ship. 

The Chief of the Naval Staff monitored the activity from a helicopter and expressed satisfaction at the overall conduct of the operation.

Pakistan Navy rendered technical assistance through its men and material to overcome challenges and difficulties involved in the debunking process.

Reviewing the urgency of situation the decision to defuel the ship was taken on 27th July in meeting of Maritime Disaster Response Committee to minimize the risks of marine pollution. Keeping in view the weather, wind, tide and other factors, salvage operation is expected to be carried out by mid August.