Report on cargo vessel case submitted: Mercantile Marine Dept

The Mercantile Marine Department today said it has submitted its report to the Director General, Shipping for further action on the issue of the cargo vessel which allegedly hit a fishing boat last month.
"The report has been sent to the DG Shipping. We are awaiting a response from them. It (the case) is in their ambit," Mercantile Marine Department, Ministry of Shipping, Nautical Surveyor and Deputy Director General, Captain K R Sundaram told reporters here.
Two German sailors were arrested after their cargo vessel M V Grietje allegedly hit the boat off Chennai coast on March 16, in which a fisherman was killed. Two other fishermen escaped and managed to reach shore.

However, the sailors Master Wolfgang Albrecht and Chief mate Steffen Hinfoth were released on bail by a local court.
Sundaram also said there is expected to be an acute shortage of merchant navy officers due to the global economic recession forcing many shipping companies out of business.
He said a recruitment drive has been undertaken and 21 Nautical Surveyors are expected to be appointed soon. Currently, there are four Nautical surveyors to handle operations on the Eastern coast.
Sundaram and Vels University Pro-Chancellor Captain Vivekanandhan were here to announce the Golden jubilee celebrations of National Maritime Day, scheduled to be held here on April 5 and 6.

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah and Naval officer-in-charge Amar K Mahadevan are expected to participate in the event, Sundaram said.