PC Parida, Deputy Chairman of Chennai Port Trust (CPT) informed that Korean flagged vessel OSM Arena was safe inside the harbour and since the engine had not been working it could not be sent to high seas.
The vessel was secured by the port inside the harbour after its owner deserted it. Last year during Cyclone Thane, the court-arrested vessel kept in the outer-anchorage of the CPT reached Marina beach causing panic among people.
Meanwhile, masters of 10 ships anchored inside the port were asked to move their vessels to the high seas after the port cautionary warning increased to No 7.
CPT opened a control room inside the port and is monitoring the weather situation 24x7, said Parida. He added that big cranes and all marine unloading arms have been properly secured.