MUMBAI: Plastic waste has been noticed around MV 'MSC Chitra', which collided with another ship MV 'Khalajia-3' off the Mumbai harbour exactly a month ago, even as the tilt of the ill-fated vessel has reduced considerably.

"Plastic debris have been noticed floating near the port side of the vessel. It appears that this plastic waste has come out from the containers of MV 'MSC Chitra'", officials of the Directorate-General of Shipping said on Monday.

Meanwhile, MV 'MSC Chitra' continues to be stable at about 19 degree list.

So far, 50 containers have been offloaded from the deck of 'MSC Chitra' and this operation is continuing. The first barge with 42 containers is awaiting berthing at GTI/JNPT for which Customs have given clearance. Actual time of berthing is being planned with port authorities. Five containers have fallen off 'MSC Chitra' and have sunk near it.

THE TROUBLE

"Plastic debris have been noticed floating near the port side of the vessel. It appears that this plastic waste has come out from the containers of MV 'MSC Chitra'", officials said on Monday.