24 February 2004	Tuesday	03 Muharram 1425

KARACHI, Feb 23: The front portion of the broken oil tanker Tasman Spirit, which was run aground about seven months back, has finally reached Gadani for further dismantling.

The forward portion was refloated and removed from KPT channel on Saturday with the support of tugs and heavy crane. It entered the Gadani water, under the supervision of international salvagers, led by Captain Nicholas Sloane, on Sunday morning, said a maritime source.

It was further learnt that prior to its beaching, further cutting of steel plates of the raptured portion was undertaken, 2.5km from the beach, enabling it to reach the ship-breaking yard.

The broken part of Tasman, at present staying about 700-800 metres away from Gadani beach, is attracting the attention of picnickers, ship breakers and other visitors, added the source.

In the meantime, salvagers have started work on the rear portion of Tasman Spirit with the objective to remove it latest by mid March. The owners of the ship are likely to invite tender for purchase of the aft portion within a couple of days, said another source.