Kavaratti: Ship runs aground off coral island

Kavaratti: Efforts to salvage a barge which ran aground on the coral reef off Kavaratti island, the Capital of the Lakshadweep islands are presently underway. 

A tug with the ability to carry out this operation will try to drag the barge away from the reef which are of critical importance for the long term survival of all the Lakshadweep islands.

The coral formations there are some of the most diverse in the world and form a part of a complex ecological structure which help sustain the Lakshadweep islands.

Corals in Lakshadweep act as natural breakwaters breaking up heavy waves and protecting the low lying islands from storm surges, in the process protecting thousands of people who call these islands their home.