IOC kerosene vessel stuck at Auckland channel

An Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) vessel carrying about 6,600 tonnes of kerosene oil was stuck at Auckland channel while entering the Haldia Port from the Sandheads.

As the channel was clogged by silt, the ship had to negotiate through the fringes of the channel and got stuck, Haldia Port marine operation division manager SN Choubey said.

However, the ship was able to clear the channel after sometime and now lay anchored waiting for the next tide to sail into the dock, he said.

A few port officials alleged that the actual draft of the channel was 6.5metres as against 7metres declared by the authorities.