'No apparent radio activity' on board Malta-registered ship

Nuclear scientists have found no "apparent radio activity" on board a Malta-registered ship, which was docked at the Chennai port Trust limits, after preliminary checks were carried out, police officials said.

   
The checks were conducted after an anonymous call stating that the Singapore-bound vessel MV Garland was carrying some radio active material was received by customs authorities, the officials said.

   
"Preliminary checks by scientists from the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, have found no apparent radio activity in the ship. It is carrying granite," the officials told PTI today.

   
The ship is likely to be given clearance later in the day to set sail to Singapore.

   
The officials said further checks were on to ascertain claims made by the anonymous caller, who, they said, "would have had some interest" with the ship. Police would take note of this and enquire, they said.

    
MV Garland was docked in Chennai port Trust limits with teams from Coast Guard, state police and Customs initially carrying out checks on the vessel. Scientists joined in later.

    
The ship was on its way from Vishakapatnam and had docked here last night when Customs officials received the anonymous call following which checks were undertaken.