Nimitz docks near Chennai

CHENNAI: Nuclear-powered American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz docked near Chennai on Monday morning, a top port official said.

"It docked at about 6 am. But official declaration about the anchoring has not yet come," K Suresh, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust said.

The USS Pickney, which was expected to accompany Nimitz, has not yet arrived.

Suresh said boat ferries to the ship are yet to begin.

The first batch of visitors from the ship is expected to arrive in the city by evening.

The docking of the Nimitz, powered by two nuclear plants and has over 65 fighter jets onboard comes amid opposition from envronmental groups, Left parties, AIADMK and MDMK, citing fears of nuclear radiation.

Top officials onboard Nimitz and the US have sought to allay fears over possible radiation saying that the safety record of the 32-year-old rpt 32-year-old ship was outstanding.

The Left parties have planned a protest outside the Chennai Port today evening against the anchoring of the warship.