US warship's proposed visit triggers fears

[tigershark]

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US warship's proposed visit triggers fears
25 Jun, 2007 l 1255 hrs ISTlPTI

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CHENNAI: The proposed visit of US warship 'USS Nimitz,' one of the largest nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the world, in Chennai has pressed the panic button among port workers, even as Port Trust authorities dismissed their apprehension as "unfounded and unwarranted".

The warship, presently in the Gulf, is likely to reach on July one and will be anchored in Chennai till July 5.

Water Transport Workers' Federation of India General Secretary T Narendra Rao said that even if there was a small radiation from the US Navy super carrier, the entire Chennai city and its surrounding areas would be affected.

He has written to the Union Cabinet Secretary, Union Shipping Secretary and Chennai Port Trust Chairman not to allow such a "deadly and disastrous" vessel to enter Indian waters.

"Many countries like Australia have denied permission to the warship to enter their territorial waters," he added.

Though official clearance from the Centre for the ship's visit was still awaited, naval officials had already visited the Chennai Port to supervise the arrangements, he said.

Rao claimed that the Port Trust had made elaborate arrangements to face any eventuality in the wake of the ship's proposed visit and had entirely vacated a hospital complex in order to treat people in case of a nuclear radiation.

Even the medicines for dealing with any contingency would be provided only by the Atomic Energy department, he added.

Port Trust Chairman K Suresh said the fear about nuclear radiation was "unwarranted and unnecessary as the warship had already visited many countries as part of its global cruise".

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/US_warships_proposed_visit_trigger_fears/articleshow/2146717.cms

[RecceJet]

That's a funny read. If it was that dangerous I think the sailors themselves would have noticed something. The whole city and surrounds affected? I doubt it. The crew would get sick first, but even then, radiation emits like light, so the further it goes, the less the intensity.

Next, Australia has never barred nuclear-powered carriers from its waters. I think this person is thinking 0f New Zealand. Again, a funny read. Thanks nonpilot

[Gripen]

No Australia HAS banned Nuclear Ships. When t he USS Kitty Hawk was in Sydney before it was retired, they said it would be the last Nuclear powered ship to ever enter Sydney harbour, and more then likely the rest of Australian waters.

[RecceJet]

USS Kitty Hawk is conventionally powered, not nuclear.

[Gripen]

I mean last aircraft carrier allowed in sydney. all the rest are nuc's