Is this where the us nuclear sub ran agound?
Post-Quake Water Depths
Dramatically-Altered
1-13-5
KUALA LUMPUR (PTI) - The northern section of one of the world's busiest
shipping channels, the Straits of Malacca, may have had its draught
altered by several metres in the aftermath of the December 26 sub-sea
earthquake, according to reports.
The reports said water depths in parts of the Straits of Malacca could
have dropped from 4000 feet before the quake to as low as 100 feet.
Thousands of navigational aides, such as buoys held in place by
mushroom-shaped anchors were carried off to new locations by
50-100-foot waves following the quake, a report in shipping journal
Portsworld quoted by the Star newspaper said.
According to the US-based National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency it
may take months if not years to re-chart altered coastlines throughout
the region.
Old shipwrecks marked on charts had been relocated, joined by new
wrecks that would have to be salvaged, moved or charted, Portsworld
said.
The US agency, which analyses spy satellite imagery and produces maps
and charts for the Defence department, has received an unconfirmed
report that one area of the Straits of Malacca, which separates
peninsular Malaysia from the Indonesian island of Sumatra had its depth
cut from 4060 feet to 105 feet, the Star said.
In another area of tsunami-affected waters, a merchant marine ship had
logged that the depth was cut fromn 3855 feet to just 92 feet, the Star
said.
The US Navy would be sending two ships to begin efforts to re-chart the
waters, it said.
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