From our special correspondent

Karwar, Jun 12: A human skeleton has been found near the oil ship which hit the rocks near this port and then split eventually split into two about a fortnight ago.

Uttar Kannada deputy commissioner Ritesh Kumar Singh told mediapersons that it was yet to be ascertained if it was of Azeem Juvale, a member of the ship's crew who is said to have lost his life while rescuing his colleague at the time of the shipwreck and has been reported missing ever since.

Special equipment was requisitioned from Singapore, which has been on the job, to clear the oil spill. About 50 tonnes of oil has been cleared so far. In all 88 tonnes of oil has been extracted. In  view of unfavourable weather, additional force is being exerted to do the job quickly.

There were no reports if the surviving crew were facing any financial difficulties, the DC added. Such matter did not come under the purview of the district matters, but were strictly between the ship-owners and its employees. The process of returning the passports and other documents of the crew was in progress, he further said.

He further asserted that the district administration would not interfere in the matters concerning the insurance company and compensation courts. He also said he was unware of the ship-owners having made any arrangment to tug the ship away from the spot of the mishap.

Daijiworld coverage of the story:

• Karwar: Wrecked Ship Splits into Two Raising High Chances of Spill Hazard
• Azeem Juvale Died while Saving His Colleagues in Shipwreck at Karwar
• Karwar: Oil Spill from Ship Spreads towards Shores, Likely to Hit Goa too
• Karwar: Aftermath of Shipwreck - Coast Guard Swings into Action to Fight Oil Spill
• Karwar: Singapore Ship Hits Rocks - Six out of 22 Rescued - Efforts on to Save Others