Cyclone Throws Cargo Ship Towards Indias Coast

Korean cargo vessel, the OSM Arena, is drifting towards the Chennai coast of India after strong winds from cyclone Thane pounded the sea with heavy winds at speeds exceeding 140 kmph. 

OSM Arena is carrying approximately 400-tons of bunker fuel, and was spotted by an Indian naval station south of the Chennai port with a malfunctioned winch, leaving the ship unable to drop the anchor. 

The Chennai Port Trust is dispatching engineers to repair the broken winch and two tugs to tow the Shinhan Capital-owned and Ocean Success Maritime-managed OSM Arena back to high seas, if weather conditions improve.  If more damaging weather attacks the area, the bunker fuel-laden ship runs the risk of running aground on India's coast.

Port Trust’s chairman, Atulya Mishra, said as of now there is no danger regarding the bunker oil, citing that Arena’s captain assured things are under control on the 45,345-DWT vessel as of now. 

Misha also disclosed that Area has been outside of the Chennai harbor on arrest by the Madras high court for dues to be paid to the Port Trust for the last month amid a two-year long dues dispute. 

PHOTO:  Storm path of cyclone Thane.

Cyclone Thane made landfall on the coast of India between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry early Friday morning.