KARACHI, Oct 11: The operation plan for salvaging oil barge capsized near the Karachi Port is being given final touches and it is expected to start from Thursday.

The team of divers engaged by the owner of the barge after physically examining the capsized barge prepared a survey report. The plan was sent to Smith, a Singapore-based company, that had prepared the operation plan and send it to KPT.

Yahya Usmani, Manager Marine Pollution Control Department of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), said that the plan was being discussed by KPT officials and experts hired from Holland for monitoring of salvage operation at KPT Head Office.

He said that the plan prepared by Smith was expected to be finalized by Wednesday evening and the salvage operation would be started from Thursday.

According to KPT officials, all necessary equipment and staff was ready to start the operation, which is expected to be completed within 10 days, depending on weather conditions.

The Dutch experts suggested the KPT for ensuring transfer of oil from the barge first and then re-floating of the barge. Experts estimated that if the weather remained favourable, the salvage operation could be accomplished within two weeks.

The ill-fated barge, Orion-1, belonging to a private company, carrying oil from Port Qasim to Karachi Port Trust, sank on Friday in the open sea when its engine room got flooded, off 3.1 nautical miles from the city's port. The barge was returning to the Karachi Port from Port Qasim, carrying 70 tons of furnace oil.—PPI