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Reports are
emerging that the northern section of Straits of Malacca may have its draught
altered by several metres following the aftermath of the sub-sea earthquake
that precipitated the Tsunami waves that hit the shores of seven countries
in the region.
According to the US-based National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency it could
take months, if not years to re-chart altered coastlines throughout the
region.
Reports warned that water depths in parts of the Straits of Malacca, one of
the world's busiest shipping channels off the coast of Sumatra, reached
about 4,000 feet before the disaster struck on 26 December 2004.
It is speculated that in some areas the depth now could be barely 100 feet
-- too dangerous for shipping, if proved true.
The US agency is working around the clock to gather information, warn
mariners and begin the time-consuming task of recharting altered coastlines
and ports throughout the region.
Thousands of navigational aides, such as buoys held in place by
mushroom-shaped anchors, were carried off to new locations by 50-foot to
100-foot waves.
Old shipwrecks marked on charts have been relocated, joined by new wrecks
that will have to be salvaged, moved or charted.
The U.S. agency, which analyzes spy satellite imagery and produces maps and
charts for the Defense Department, has received an unconfirmed report that
one area of the Strait of Malacca, which divides Malaysia and the devastated
Indonesian island of Sumatra, had its depth cut from 4,060 feet to just 105
feet.
In another area of tsunami-affected waters, a merchant marine ship has
logged that the depth was cut from 3,855 feet to just 92 feet.
US Navy is reported to be sending two ships to begin efforts to rechart the
waters. One, the USNS John McDonnell, could arrive later this week.
It is expected to be followed by the newer USNS Mary Sears, which is
awaiting final orders to head out from Japan. On board will be sonar, a
dozen scientists and 34-foot vessels used to rechart the shipping channels.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organistaion is leading efforts to
restore important maritime infrastructure damaged by the Indian Ocean
tsunami has been identified as an important priority.
The London-based body will co-ordinate efforts designed to repair serious
damage in the affected areas. Port infrastructures and navigational aids
have all been badly damaged in the disaster which occurred on December 26,
2004.
IMO secretary-general Efthimios Mitropoulos stressed the strategic importance
of ensuring that ports, navigational aids and other key elements of the
maritime infrastructure are in effective working order as soon as possible,
both to facilitate the medium and long-term recovery of the affected areas
and to ensure that short-term aid arriving by sea can do so efficiently and
in safety. |
