Date:14/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/14/stories/2006091406571300.htm

National

Coast Guard fighting oil spill in Sri Lanka

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: The Coast Guard has provided two ships and as many aircraft to Sri Lanka to combat oil spill, according to Director General Vice-Admiral Rustom Contractor.

Admiral Contractor told reporters here on Wednesday that the ships and aircraft were at the Galle harbour. Sinking of a Bangla Deshi merchant vessel, Amaanat Shah, caused the oil spill.

Admiral Contractor was on his maiden visit to Mumbai, headquarters of the Western Region, after taking over the reins of the Coast Guard. Inspector-General A. Rajasekhar, who commands the Coast Guard Region, received him. The Admiral said there were plans to acquire three helicopters and six multi-role reconnaissance aircraft and a 15-year perspective plan had been drawn up. Also on the anvil were new Coast Guard stations at Ratnagiri, Dahanu, Murud Janjira and Veraval.

Before taking over as the Director-General Admiral Contractor was Assistant Controller of Carrier Projects at the Integrated Headquarters. Earlier, he was Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Information Warfare and Operations). He had commanded aircraft carrier INS Viraat and was the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet.