Divers check submerged dredger

DIVERS yesterday inspected the partially submerged dredger Hang Jun 9 in anticipation of efforts to salvage the 87-metre vessel.

The ship is about three kilometres metres west of Siu A Chau with its stern under water.

Marine Department officials are awaiting a statement from the ship's master.

''We'll look at the statement and then we'll decide the next course of action,'' a Marine Department spokesman said.

The spokesman said: ''It's the owner who will be responsible for salvaging the vessel.'' The master and crew of 24 abandoned the ship on Thursday night when it began taking on water. No one was injured.